Five Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter

As you’ve already noticed, the cold weather has started rolling in, which means winter is just around the corner! That means right now homeowners across the country are getting their homes ready for the changes in temperature and weather. Is your home prepared and adequately protected?

Topping the list of reasons to winterize a home is to save on heating bills, but it’s also for your indoor comfort and safety. The good news is that after you gather all the necessary supplies, you can winterize your entire house in a few short days. So, what are the best ways to prepare your home for the winter months? Let’s look at some tips from a seasoned general contractor in Syracuse, IN:

• Clean gutters: If your gutters are clogged, rainwater and melted snow cannot properly move off the roof and away from your house. Pooled water can cause costly indoor leaks and water damage. Before it starts raining and storming, be sure to get all the leaves, dirt, twigs and other debris out of rain gutters. Once cleared, send water from the garden hose or a bucket through the downspouts. The water should flow freely, not chug along or pool in one place. Install snow guards to keep heavy snow and sheets of ice from sliding off the roof.
• Seal air leaks: The key to lower heating bills during the cold winter months is to seal any air leaks. You can check for leaks by lighting a candle and gently holding it near windows, exterior doors and other openings. Watch for a flicker of the flame. To seal your home, caulk around the edges of windows and add weatherstripping. New weatherstripping can also be used for stopping drafts around doors and attic entrances.
• Insulate exposed pipes: To prevent frozen and burst pipes, make sure you cover all exposed pipes in unheated areas, like the basement, crawlspaces, the attic and outdoor spaces. It also doesn’t hurt to cover plumbing pipes located inside cabinets. Pipe insulation sleeves are a fantastic option, and easy to install, but be sure to seal the seams with duct tape and cover the entire pipe, including bends and joints.
• Assess your attic insulation: Because heat rises, a lot of warm indoor air can be lost through poorly insulated attics spaces. Your attic might either need additional insulation or brand-new insulation. Contact an insulation professional to determine the best type and amount of insulation for your needs.
• Check your heater: If you have a heating system, you’re going to use it this winter! Before the cold weather sets in for the season, have your system checked by a pro to ensure it’s working as it should. If you have a furnace, the technician can check it, clean it and replace the filter for you. Also, make sure the air vents in all rooms are not blocked by furniture or other objects.

Buhrt Builders Inc. is here to help you with all your home building needs. Call to speak with a general contractor in Syracuse, IN today!

Categorised in: General Contractor

This post was written by Writer