You may think that preparing your home for winter is a tad early, considering the time of the year. For some, it’s not a priority unless they start to feel the winter breeze. But if your property happens to be in a location that’s exposed to harsh winter conditions, it’s better to be prepared as early as possible. That way, you won’t be surprised when the first freeze hits.
Preparing your home for winter involves a great deal of planning, so the earlier you get on with it, the easier it’ll be for you to handle the cold season. Needless to say, there’s no better time than now to ensure that your property is safe for you and your family.
To help you out, below are the six things you can do to properly set up your home for winter.
- Clear Your Gutters
Gutters are notorious for accumulating debris, especially if you don’t take the time to clean and maintain them regularly. As the winter season approaches, you need to ensure they’re free from buildup that can lead to heavy and icy rain spouts or drainpipes.
When the gutters become too heavy, they may collapse and lead to more serious trouble. In some instances, clogged drains can also cause the water and snow to back up against the house, which could damage your wood trim, siding, and roofing.
As you clean the gutters, make it a point to also look for damaged or missing fascia boards so you can repair or replace them as necessary. Taking all these precautions can go a long way in easing your worries as the winter season approaches.
- Tune Up The Heating System
Colder months mean you need to stay warmer while also making sure there’s enough ventilation in your home. As such, your heating system deserves a thorough inspection and tuning up to guarantee its full functionality when you need it the most. The inspection would also allow you to know if something needs repair or replacement.
Start by checking if the boiler is working as it should. Don’t forget to inspect the radiators, heat pump, and furnace to ensure that the system is in good condition. Dusting off the filters and vents is also advisable to maintain good indoor air quality.
- Get A Chimney Sweep
Wood-burning fireplaces should be professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year to prevent built-up soot and creosote from igniting. This is especially recommended if you use your fireplace more than six times throughout the year. Getting a chimney sweep is one of the six things you can do now to prepare your home for the winter.
- Inspect The Roof
Roof tiles and slates can get unsteady or loose sometime throughout the year, leading to missing or damaged shingles. Such damage can cause leaks during storms in the winter. The same goes for melting snow, too, so you need to make sure your roof is in good condition right before the colder months begin. The inspection could also help in determining whether or not the roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
If you’re not familiar with how roof inspections and maintenance work, you can contact a contractor or a complete home solution company such as Nova Exteriors. Such establishments are skilled and experienced enough to identify any potential problems in your roof and even in other parts of the house.
- Check The Doors And Windows
Doors and windows should be checked for gaps to ensure they can be closed tightly for the winter season. If the gaps are wider than a nickel, you might want to consider caulking door frames and window sidings so you won’t have any problems shutting them tight. For exterior use, using silicone caulk is your best bet because this type doesn’t shrink and is also impervious to outside elements.
If you want to block daylight completely, you can use weatherstripping around your doors as needed. Shutting the doors and windows tightly won’t only seal the heat inside but also help you save on your heating bill.
- Clean Your Outdoor Space
When preparing your home for winter, you shouldn’t just think of the interior space you have. Your garden, lawn, patio, swimming pool, and greenhouse could also benefit from a thorough cleaning and inspection to ensure they’re ready for the colder months ahead. Trash bins, potted plants, and other elements that could be easily swept away by strong wind should be secured.
Scan the property for any growing tree branches that are already towering over power lines, the driveway, the garage, or the house itself. Check for any signs of dead limbs and branches brushing against each other because these could lead to potential damage during storms and strong winds.
Conclusion
Early preparation is always the best kind of preparation, especially when it involves the condition of your property. As the winter season approaches, there are a lot of things you can do to be ready. The ones mentioned above can help you ensure that you and your family will be safe and warm as you breeze through the colder days.
