Get your home ready for winter using this simple checklist from Watkins Construction & Roofing. Winter is here. You have your fall wardrobe out and make other preparations for the next season. Preparing your house for the change is crucial as the new season gets closer. You may avoid the hassle and expenses of unexpected repairs this winter.
You only will need to take these simple precautions now:
Preparing Your House for the Cold Season
- Service your heating system:Plan a check to detect and fix issues early. A little problem in the summer may become costly in the winter. Now is the time to ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system are in good shape. Do it promptly whether you reside in a part of the nation where cold temperatures are typical or only seldom seen.
- Turn your ceiling fans in the counter direction:This trick is a simple but efficient way to save money on heating costs. You need the warmer air to go to the paces in the house where it will offer the most benefit.
- Remove debris from heating vents:It may be necessary to rearrange the room so that vents have a free path to provide air to all areas. If you cannot relocate the furniture, clearing some space around the vents can help.
- Check the insulation:Check it in the attic, the basement, and around the windows and doors. You can check for drafts around wall outlets and light switches and install an insulation kit. Are you not yet ready to evaluate your home insulation completely? These steps are good options to help keep your home warm. You can find these kits at any hardware or home improvement shop. Also, you may purchase door and window insulation kits from several retailers.
- Look for exposed water pipes:It just takes a few nights of subfreezing weather to damage any exposed water lines. Wrapping the bare pipes in proper insulation is a simple way to avoid this problem.
- Inspect your gutters:Gutter inspection is a critical preventative measure that homeowners use to forget. Check your gutters carefully for debris that can cause water to back up. The drainage system and timber framing may suffer damage if this water freezes. Besides, you can redirect water three to four feet away from the house’s foundation by extending the downspouts. This way, you will decrease the likelihood of ice jams forming.
- Check for tree branches around your house:Inspect nearby tree branches for any harm falling branches may cause. So, trimming trees in the fall is a good idea. Avoid having any branches that might cause damage near your roof. Looking for loose siding that tree limbs may have dislodged is crucial.
- Check your roof for damage:Roofing material gets a workout in the winter. Repairs might not be possible at that time. Thus, inspect it before harsh weather impedes making repairs.
- Cover window air conditioners: Do not you plan on using your window air conditioner this winter? If you will not, investing in a high-quality cover to keep out drafts and safeguard the unit is a clever idea.
- Inspect your home’s smoke and CO detectors:The number of reported house fires rises over the winter. Even if your detectors are wired into the electrical system, you should always change the backup batteries. When the electricity goes off, it increases the risk of fires.
- Protect your deck:If you have a wooden deck, apply a new sealant to protect it from the elements. Do it now if you didn’t do it in the spring. Clearing snow off the deck with a plastic shovel will protect the wood from deterioration.
- Turn off and drain external water sources:Remove the hoses outside your house, drain them, and bring them inside. To avoid further damage to the pipes from any residual water, cut off the outside water supply from within the house. Also, open the external valve roughly a quarter turn. Before the ground freezes, it is critical to empty sprayer systems.
Applying these 12 measures will not ensure that difficulties will not arise this winter. But you will be better protected. Protecting your house and family as best you can from potential danger can help you sleep better at night.
By getting ready for winter as soon as possible, you will have time to make any repairs. Watkins Construction & Roofing can provide you with the help you need. You can get in touch with us by calling us at 251-299-8151. We service areas in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL.
