Winter can be a hard season for many people because it brings a lot of snow and weather changes. While many see the winter as an opportunity to utilize their new heaters, install a new modern fire pit, or even take on new interior decorating opportunities, the winter can also be a hard season for homeowners because harsh weather can easily damage the home.
Luckily, there are several ways you can prepare your home for the winter and most of them are very easy to do. You can also do most of them yourself except for a few where you might need to call in a professional to help you.
Preparing Your Home for the Winter
Some homeowners might prepare for the winter months in advance, contacting luxury kitchen design companies to get those renovations done before the cold sets in. While renovations are a great way to get your home in order, trying to get your home well-prepared for the winter can seem like an overwhelming task especially if this is your first winter as a homeowner. Most of the steps you can take to prepare your home are simple though and you can do them easily before the cold weather sets in.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters need to be cleaned every season but cleaning them before winter is even more important. This is because snow can set into the gutters and weigh them down which can eventually break them or cause them to be completely pulled away from the home.
Cleaning gutters is extremely important because you want to ensure that your gutters do not get water damage. Water damage in the home is extremely costly and it can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair.
This is why it’s better to begin the winter by preparing your gutters for the snow and ice rather than waiting for damage and then having to wait for the repairs.
You also want to pave the way for melted snow to come out of the gutter and away from the home so that you don’t risk your basement or under areas of the home flooding.
Get a Roof Inspection
Winter storms are known for creating big damage on roofs. This is because snow, ice, and heavy rain can all easily cause damage to the roof making you need to spend thousands of dollars on repairs.
Packed snow is especially hard on roofs because it’s so heavy and can cause the roof to collapse completely.
If you are afraid to go up onto your roof or you are not sure what to look for when it comes to roof inspections, you should hire a contractor to inspect for you.
Contractors can often do minor repairs on the spot which is very helpful. Bigger repairs can be done before the winter comes as long as you call in the inspection a few weeks before the winter weather comes with snow and hail.
Get a Chimney Inspection
This goes along with roof inspections because chimneys are just as important. Fireplaces and chimneys need to be inspected whether you only burn wood a few times a year or if you burn wood every day.
Each time you burn wood, some deposits build up inside the chimney and then the smoke from the new fire can cause these deposits to ignite and cause fires inside the chimney.
Not only is this dangerous for your home, but it’s bad for your health whether it catches on fire or not.
Deposits that form inside chimneys are called creosote and are cancerous when they burn in the air.
Always make sure to get a chimney inspection before the start of every winter before you burn wood for the first time.
You can also install a steel liner inside the chimney which can prevent chimney fires if one starts.
Check Your Heating System
Of course, in the winter you will use your heating system almost every day to ensure your family stays warm and healthy as the snow comes down outside. Your furnace and heating system should be inspected before using it for the first time.
It’s also a good idea to check all the systems inside your home including the carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Make sure you change the batteries and perform a test when possible.
All of these inspections and checks ensure your systems in the home run more smoothly which also means you will save money on energy bills.
Cut Tree Branches
When snow collects on tree branches they can break from being under the heavy weight. While healthy branches can break, the ones that are already weak and damaged are at a higher risk of breaking.
If these branches fall onto your roof or car, things on the property can easily get damaged. This is why it’s best to begin trimming your trees and their branches before the first snow comes.
If there are some branches you can’t reach yourself, you can always a landscaping company to come and inspect the home and trees to see which ones need to be cut off and fixed.
Recaulk Doors and Windows
If the caulk on your doors is weak or damaged, it can cause water to come into the home and heat to escape from the home. Before the cold weather comes, make sure you recaulk all your doors and windows by getting an exterior caulk and a caulk gun.
It only takes a thin line of caulk to get the job done and you can put it right along the molding of your home.
Using a gloved finger, you can then press down the caulk and spread it down the line if needed. You want to make sure it gets into the crevices and cracks so it can do the best job possible.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, preparing your home for the winter doesn’t have to be difficult when you have the right tips and tricks to follow. If there is anything you are afraid to do yourself, don’t be afraid to call in a professional and ask for help.
Inspections are also best done by professionals as they have experience and know what to look for in terms of damage and other issues.
Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy.
