5 ESSENTIAL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR WINTER
As the winter season starts rolling in, it’s essential to prepare your home for the challenges that colder temperatures bring. But it isn’t easy to know what you can do now to help protect your property from the coming weather. Don’t worry, KBUILD DESIGN is here to help you get started. Here are five home maintenance chores to consider completing before the turn of the season.
Fill Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Find some time to evaluate your windows and doors. Do you see any gaps between the seals? Gaps around your windows and doors can allow in drafts that will leave you feeling cold, and cause your furnace to work harder to warm your house. You may need to caulk around the trims to seal off any drafts, or add weatherstripping. You can also get a door draft stopper to keep the cold air from sneaking in under your doors. Taking these cautionary measures will make your home more energy efficient, and hopefully help you avoid higher energy bills.
Check on Your Furnace
The last thing you want is to have your furnace go out on the brink of a huge winter storm. To prevent the worst from happening, you should get your heating system serviced by a reliable professional annually to check for any leaks and to ensure that all components are functioning correctly. It may be a good idea to check your air filter as well, and change it if need be.
Don’t wait until the first cold front to take action. By that point, you may be facing longer wait times to get a service visit to your home. A well-maintained heating system not only keeps you warm but also operates more efficiently, potentially saving you money on energy bills.
Clean Out Your Gutters
As the season changes, leaves and other debris can end up in your gutters or exterior drainage system. With winter comes increased rainfall and snow, so you want to be prepared. Cleaning out your gutters isn’t the most enjoyable task, but it can certainly save you from problems in the long run. If it rains or snows heavily and your gutters are clogged, water won’t be directed properly which can cause flooding and damage. Clogged gutters can also lead to loosened gutters, ice dams, and problems with rodents or insects. Maintaining your gutters can reduce needing to replace them and reduce the chance of roof damage. A small rake can easily remove leaves and debris from your gutters, or you can hire a professional if you’re uncomfortable on a ladder. Ensure that your downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation to prevent potential flooding and ice-related damage.
Inspect Your Roof & Trim Trees
In addition to your gutters, you should take a look at your roof as well. A sturdy roof is crucial in withstanding the winter elements. It’s a good idea to try and spot any potential problems, like damaged or missing shingles, before the ice and snow arrive. Whether you inspect your roof yourself or hire a professional, this could definitely help you avoid bigger problems and pricey repairs down the road.
Protecting your roof also goes hand in hand with trimming any surrounding trees. Take a walk around your yard and look out for any troublesome branches and consider giving them a trim. Heavy snow can cause branches to fall and potentially damage your home or cause injury.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Before the temperatures dip, you want to make sure you take the precautionary measures needed to insure that you won’t experience any frozen pipes. Take some time to observe your exterior pipes. Disconnect any hoses from your outdoor faucets. Turn off any exterior faucet shutoff valves if you have them, and then release any remaining water in the pipe by opening and closing the outside tap. You can also try adding some insulation covers or heat tape to your pipes and faucets as well. Don’t forget about any pipes you have in those unheated areas such as basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Neglecting your pipes increases the risk of having them burst, which can result in significant water damage in your home.
Taking these necessary steps to help winterize your home can help create a warmer, more energy-efficient living space for you and your family while preventing potential issues that could arise during the colder months. Stay cozy and worry-free by preparing your home for the season ahead!
