Winter is almost here, and we all know it can get pretty harsh sometimes. That’s why it’s really important to get yourself and your home ready for the cold days ahead. To help you out, here’s a simple checklist to prepare your home for winter.
First off, during the fall, leaves pile up everywhere, but we often forget to check the roof and gutters. Fallen leaves can clog gutters, freeze, and damage your roof by getting under the shingles. There’s also a risk that frozen debris could fall and hurt someone or damage the house. So, start by thoroughly cleaning the gutters.
Winters are cold, and keeping your home warm and cozy can be challenging without proper insulation. Consider installing spray foam insulation to keep your house protected and warm. Consult a local professional on how to do this right. Also, don’t forget to insulate the roof and basement.
Another important thing to insulate is the pipes. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage. To avoid this, make sure to insulate your pipes.
If you have outdoor sprinklers, prep them for winter too. Remove any leftover water before the first freeze to prevent the system from getting damaged. You can also hire an irrigation contractor to ensure everything is properly blown out and there’s no water left in the system.
Living in a very cold climate might mean dealing with frozen door locks. To prevent this, you can spray a bit of powdered graphite lubricant on your door locks. Spray it into the keyhole, insert the key, and turn it. This will lubricate the pins inside the lock and keep them from freezing or getting damaged. Do this yearly.
Drafts can cause a lot of heat loss during winter. To prevent drafts, inspect all your windows and doors. Light a candle on each windowsill and along the baseboards. If the flame flickers, you have a draft. Clean the areas with a paper towel and use paintable caulking to fill the gaps. This will seal your windows and doors, making your home more energy-efficient and draft-free.
Lastly, make sure your fireplace is clean and ready. This is especially crucial if you have a wood-burning fireplace, as residue can be highly flammable if not cleaned properly. Hire professionals to clean and service the fireplace and a certified chimney sweep to ensure the chimney is ready for winter.
Winter is coming, and it’s essential to get your home ready and cozy. This checklist should help you fully prepare so you can relax and enjoy this magical season.
