The winter season is almost here, and we all know how harsh it can get sometimes. That’s why it’s super important to get yourself and your home fully prepared for those cold winter days. Here’s a simple checklist to help you get started.
First, during fall, you’ll notice a lot of leaves on the ground, but don’t forget to check your roof and gutters. Fallen leaves can clog your gutters, and when they freeze, they can get under the shingles and damage your roof. There’s also a risk of frozen debris falling and potentially causing injury or damaging your house. So, make sure to clean your gutters thoroughly.
Winter means cold weather, and we all want our homes to be warm and cozy. Without proper insulation, keeping your house warm can be really hard. Consider installing spray foam insulation to protect and keep your home warm. Talk to a local professional to do it properly, and don’t forget to insulate your roof and basement too.
Another thing to insulate is your pipes. During cold winters, pipes can freeze, leading to serious damage if they burst. To avoid this, it’s wise to insulate your pipes.
If you have outdoor sprinklers, prepare them for winter as well. Make sure to remove any leftover water before the first freeze. If there’s residual water, it can freeze, expand, and damage your sprinkler system and pipes. You might consider hiring an irrigation contractor to ensure everything is properly blown out and there’s no water left in the system.
In extremely cold climates, frozen door locks can be a common problem. To prevent this, spray a bit of powdered graphite lubricant into the lock where the key goes, then insert the key and turn it. This will lubricate the pins inside the lock and prevent freezing or damage. Doing this once a year should keep your locks in good working order.
Drafts can cause significant heat loss during winter. To detect drafts, light a candle near your windows and doors. If the flame flickers, you have a draft. To fix this, clean the area and use paintable caulking to fill in gaps, sealing your home against drafts and making it more energy-efficient.
Finally, make sure your fireplace is cleaned and ready, especially if you have a wood-burning one. Residue in the fireplace can be highly flammable if not cleaned properly. It’s best to hire professionals to clean and service your fireplace and a certified chimney sweep to inspect the chimney.
Winter is coming, and you want to be ready and cozy during the cold days. This simple checklist should help you prepare your home so you can relax and enjoy this magical season.
