Fall is gone, the turkey has been eaten, and winter is here. We are all busy with holiday preparation and decorating. Remember to not just make sure the exterior of your home has the right number of lights and reindeer, but that it is ready for winter weather as well!
Take these 5 steps to make sure the outside of your house is as ready as the inside for winter weather.
Clear out your gutters
This is really number one on any seasonal checklist but we tend to forget about it for the winter months. Even after you have cleared gutters of falling leaves, they can still be clogged with debris like branches. If your gutters are not clear, fluctuating temperatures can lead to melting and freezing snow.
If there is nowhere for the run off to go, you are at risk for ice dams and water pooling and freezing in dangerous places like sidewalks and driveways. Make sure that you address any downspout issues as well to ensure that any ice formation is in a safe spot.
Check the Roof for Damage
Roof damage can allow heat to leak out of your home, wasting energy and money in the process. Make sure to take inventory of your roof. Fix any places where shingles are loose, missing or damaged. Asbestos, slate, or clay tile roofs can suffer from breakage, so look for cracked, chipped, broken, or missing shingles. If you are performing a metal roof inspection, check for signs of corrosion, rust, stress wrinkling, or other wear. Damaged or missing shingles can compromise the integrity of your roof, letting in water and causing poor ventilation. Look in your attic for signs of water leakage.
If you see extensive issues, schedule a professional roof inspection. You can get immediate problems addressed to prevent further damage and determine if you need to plan for a roof replacement in the spring. If so, it is best to schedule it now, before the busy season of spring is here.
Install storm windows and doors
Storm window and door installation is one of the most cost-effective solutions for upgrading energy efficiency. If you are installing storm windows or doors yourself, make sure to follow step-by-step instructions so that they are properly fitted. If they are not properly installed, you will defeat the purpose and will not benefit from the energy savings.
Energy.gov has even more information on choosing and installing storm windows as an energy saving project for your home. If installation seems daunting to you, reach out to a professional to ensure that you get the most out of the investment.
Stop drafts
In order to stop drafts, you need to locate them first. Start by checking your attic, basement and crawl spaces for any cracks, gaps and openings where cold air may be coming through. You can also try a smoke test. On a windy day, shut all windows and doors, and turn off all appliances. Then hold a lit incense stick next to potential air leakage spots.
Once you find them, seal them. You can use a basic caulk gun, window insulation, weather stripping, and sweep strips to seal insulation gaps around windows and doors. You can use insulation for bigger areas like attics and crawl spaces. Now is also a good time to consider scheduling a professional evaluation if you think that drafts are pointing to a larger issue.
Bobvila.com has more ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget to stop drafts to maximizes your energy savings.
Dynasty Restoration has a team of professionals ready to help you identify and remedy any issues you have that may stop you from experiencing a cozy winter. Contact us today for a free estimate!
