Winter is almost here, and it can get pretty rough sometimes. That’s why it’s super important to get yourself and your home ready for the cold months ahead. Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare your home for winter.
First, let’s talk about all those leaves. In the fall, leaves end up everywhere, including your roof and gutters. If you don’t clean them out, the leaves can clog the gutters, and when it gets cold, debris can freeze, work its way under the shingles, and damage your roof. Plus, frozen debris can fall and possibly hurt someone or damage your house. So, start by thoroughly cleaning out your gutters.
Keeping your home warm is a must in winter, but it’s tough without proper insulation. Consider installing spray foam insulation to keep the warmth in. You can talk to a local professional about how to do this right. Remember to insulate your roof and basement too.
Another important thing is to insulate your pipes. When it gets really cold, the pipes can freeze, burst, and cause significant water damage. So, insulating your pipes is a smart move.
Don’t forget about your outdoor sprinklers. They need to be prepped for winter by clearing out any leftover water to prevent freezing and damage. You might want to hire an irrigation contractor to ensure the system is completely blown out and dry.
If you live somewhere very cold, you’ve probably dealt with frozen door locks. To prevent this, spray a little powdered graphite lubricant into each lock where the key goes. Insert the key, turn it, and this will lubricate the pins inside the lock, stopping them from freezing. Do this once a year to keep the locks working smoothly.
Drafts can lead to a lot of heat loss. Check your windows and doors by lighting a candle near the edges. If the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft. Clean the area with a paper towel and use paintable caulking to fill in the gaps. This will make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Lastly, make sure your fireplace is ready to go. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have it cleaned to remove flammable residue. Hire professionals for this job, and also get a certified chimney sweep to check your chimney.
With winter on the horizon, it’s important to make sure your home is cozy and ready. Hopefully, this checklist helps you prepare so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the season.
