Recent reports from the National Weather Service (NWS) show that much of the United States is in for a particularly cold winter. Before this cold weather arrives, you need to take preventative measures to protect your home and your family. Failing to properly winterize your home can result in a lot of damage. The first step in this process is thoroughly inspecting your home.
During this inspection, you need to take note of any problems. Fixing these problems before winter arrives can save you a lot of money and stress. Here are some things you need to do to properly winterize your home.
Check On Your Gutter System
Winter rain and snowstorms are quite common in the United States. These storms can dump a lot of moisture on your home. If your existing gutter system is damaged or filled with debris, this increase in moisture can cause big problems. Overflowing gutters can damage your exterior covering, your roof and your home’s foundation. Getting these problems fixed can cost a lot of money. Instead of waiting until there is damage to take action, you need to get your gutter system in good working order.
Allowing professionals to clean and inspect your gutter system is a great way to ensure it is ready for winter. If your existing gutters are damaged or bent, professionals may recommend new ones. With the addition of new gutters, you should have no problem handling all of the bad weather Mother Nature can dish out.
Find and Seal Drafts in Your Home
During the winter months, you will have to keep the inside of your home warm and toasty. Accomplishing this goal will be nearly impossible if your home is drafty. If it feels like your home never gets warm, then you have to track downdrafts and seal them up quickly. The first place you need to check for these drafts is around your windows and doors.
Older windows and doors are notorious for allowing air to escape. Using caulk is the best way to seal up these drafts. However, if the door or window in question is old or damaged, you may have to replace it. Adding new windows and doors to your home will make it both more appealing and energy-efficient.
Replace Your Damaged or Missing Shingles
As you inspect the outside of your home, be sure to take a look at the condition of your roof. Are there a number of shingles damaged or completely missing? If so, you have to address this problem immediately. Failing to fix this common repair issue can lead to major leaks developing over the winter. Since you don’t have the tools or experience needed to do these repairs on your own, hire professionals to help you out.
Let the Winterizing Process Begin!
Putting the tips in this article to use is important. If you need help with any of the tasks mentioned here, be sure to contact Atlas Construction.
