Winter is almost here, and it can get pretty rough sometimes. That’s why it’s really important to get yourself and your home ready for those cold days. Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare your home for the upcoming winter.
First, don’t forget about all those leaves during the fall. They can end up clogging your roof and gutters, leading to trouble. When leaves and debris freeze, they can sneak under the shingles and damage your roof, or even fall and damage the side of your house. So, start with a thorough cleaning of your gutters.
Keeping your house warm can be tough without proper insulation. Spray foam insulation is a great way to keep the warmth in. You can chat with a local pro to nail down how to do this right. Don’t forget to insulate your roof and basement too.
Pipes can be another headache in winter. If they freeze, they can burst and cause some serious water damage. So, wrap them up with some insulation to avoid any problems.
If you have outdoor sprinklers, make sure to drain all the water out before the first freeze. Freezing water can expand and damage your sprinkler system and pipes. You might want to hire an irrigation contractor to make sure everything is drained properly.
Living in a really cold area? You’ve probably dealt with frozen door locks. To prevent this, spray some powdered graphite lubricant into the keyhole, insert the key, and turn it. This helps keep the lock pins from freezing up.
Drafts are a common cause of heat loss in winter. Check all your windows and doors by lighting a candle near them; if the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft. Clean the area and use paintable caulking to seal the gaps. This will keep your home more energy-efficient and cozy.
Finally, make sure your fireplace is clean and ready to use. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, built-up residue can be a fire hazard. Hire professionals to clean and service it, and get a certified chimney sweep to check the chimney too.
Winter is coming, so start preparing now to make sure you and your home stay warm and comfortable. Hope this checklist helps you get ready so you can relax and enjoy the season.
