Prepare Your Home For Winter Before In A Weekend
As colder weather approaches, it's a good idea to think about how ready your home is for winter. Taking care of a few common trouble spots now can help prevent bigger issues later. Let's walk through the key updates and simple checks that will help keep your home comfortable all season long.
Storm Shutters
First, you might want to think about adding storm shutters to your home. Storm shutters are a smart option because you will be able to protect your home from the worst of the weather conditions. They are available, from a wide a range of companies including Liberty Home Products. You just need to make sure that they are going to reach the right standards that you need. They are even available in a wide range of styles so that they blend seamlessly with the rest of your property.
The Attic
Next, you should make sure that you are regularly checking the attic. If you don't, then it is easy for an issue to go overlooked. The best way to avoid an issue here is to make sure that you are checking the attic out regularly, particularly if you are heading towards a period of poor weather conditions. There are lots of things to watch out for including wet insulation and musty smells. All these issues suggest a serious problem.
The Basement
You should think about checking out the basement next. If there is an issue with the basement, then water can build up underneath your home. This can be a disastrous scenario because it can lead to massively expensive issues while also bringing other problems overtime. This is one of the reasons why you should make sure that water isn't building up on the ground outside your home. If this happens then it's quickly going to enter into the basement which is wear everything can go wrong including a build up of toxic mold. Water can also freeze around and under the house, causing further problems.
Ensure Your Heating And Electric Is Working
Finally, you should make sure that your heating and electric is working before the worst of the winter weather sets in. The last thing that you want is for your heating or your electricity to stop working properly as the weather drops.
Be aware that failures like this are far more common through the winter season. In terms of the different options, you might want to think about exploring a management and maintenance service. This means that you can keep track of your boiler and ensure that it continues to work. This also covers you financially if it ever does fail. You won't have to worry about the cost catching you by surprise.
Other tips to best prepare for winter:
1. Seal Drafts
Check windows and doors for air leaks and add caulk or weatherstripping to keep warm air inside.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clear leaves and debris to prevent ice dams and water damage.
3. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap pipes in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces to help prevent freezing.
4. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Set fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air back down into the room.
5. Check the Roof
Look for missing shingles and signs of leaks.
6. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace batteries and confirm all detectors are working, which is especially important when heating systems run more often.
7. Prepare Fireplaces and Chimneys
Have chimneys inspected and cleaned before lighting the first fire of the season.
8. Store or Protect Outdoor Items
Put away hoses, patio furniture, and grills, or cover them to prevent weather damage.
9. Stock Winter Essentials
Keep ice melt, shovels, flashlights, and extra blankets on hand before you need them.
