When was the last time you properly prepared your home for winter? Whether you’ve owned a home for a while or are going to be experiencing your first winter in a new home, you will definitely want to check a few hot spots for issues before temperatures begin to drop. Insufficient home winterization can lead to costly mistakes that can be time-consuming to fix. Mitigating the problems and preventing mistakes with good winterization is the best practice for all homeowners.
Skipping Your Heating Inspection
Small issues can build up with a heating system over time, leading to major breakdowns. Getting regular inspections, at least once a year, can help prevent many of the most expensive issues, as you’ll be getting your system regularly maintained. Clearing vents and replacing filters are just some of the many ways to keep a furnace working properly, and hiring a professional to inspect your equipment before winter arrives is a great way to avoid freezing temperatures in your home. Even if you have a new furnace or believe last year’s inspection was recent enough, you don’t want to pass up on it. It will save you money and prevent discomfort in the long run. Many heating specialists will offer promotional rates in the fall to encourage you to winterize your home; take advantage of these circumstances.
Letting Snow Pile Up
Snow can cause a lot of damage to many surfaces: the roof, siding, lawn, and gardens, to begin with. The weight and temperature of the snow can cause some roof shingles to warp or crack. Not all plants can handle snow pileup. Snow and ice are fall hazards for all household members, not just older adults or young children. You’ll be doing your home and family a major service by plowing heavy snow buildup, especially if you’re in an area that gets a lot of it. You can use a standard ice shovel for many surfaces, but you don’t want to use it on roofs or decks, as it can cause damage. Snowblowers also work excellently if you’re going to save time and labor. If you own large acreage or a farm, a snow pusher for compact tractors is an excellent choice to keep your land clear during the winter. As a bonus, snow pusher attachments can also help with moving dirt, gravel, and other types of land during the rest of the year.
Causing Pipes to Freeze
If you live in an older home, you’re likely dealing with pipe materials that freeze more easily than those of modern homes. A frozen pipe isn’t just inconvenient; it can lead to costly repairs if the pipe bursts, as frozen water expands. You can prevent most frozen pipe issues with a few DIY fixes. Pipe insulation is sold in most hardware stores and wraps around most pipe sizes with ease. Tackle all of the exposed pipes you can find in your basement, attic, or crawlspace. If temperatures dip very low (under 20°F), you’ll want to open your under-sink cabinets for warmer air circulation and consider turning the faucet to a very slow drip to keep the pipes flowing. These countermeasures protect your pipes from winter weather immensely.
Clogging the Gutters
If your home lacks gutter guards or you haven’t cleaned your gutters in a few years, you’ll definitely want to clean them out before winter starts. Just like a frozen pipe, clogged gutters trapped with water can freeze, expand, and lead to gutter and home structural damage. If there are a lot of trees surrounding your property, you’re more likely to have a clogged gutter, especially when the leaves fall in late autumn or early winter. Unclog your gutters or hire professionals to tackle the job to avoid more expensive repairs later on.
Ignoring Weather Drafts
If you notice inconsistent temperatures in your home, especially around doors or windows, you may be dealing with some weather drafts. Weather leaks occur when a crack, hole, or gap in your home’s structure causes outdoor air to “leak” into your home. It not only makes your temperatures more inconsistent, but it also overworks your furnace and raises your energy bills. You can get professional insulation installed to keep outdoor temperatures from leaking into your home. You can also install weatherstrips around the door and doorframe, as well as spray foam insulation in noticeable gaps to mitigate issues stemming from weather leaks.
Insufficient Pest Control
In the winter, many bugs and other pests seek warmer shelter from the cold. You can see increased insect or pest activity in your home for this reason, especially near gaps or in basements. You’ll want to include some preventative pest control at the start of and throughout the season to mitigate issues from pests. You can hire professionals or spray around the perimeter of your home with DIY solutions. Professional-grade products will last longer, but they tend to be more expensive.
Blocked Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is a smart choice year-round, but especially so in winter. Without proper attic ventilation, warm air from your home will heat any ice and snow on the roof, causing it to melt enough to get to the edge of your roof. When the water refreezes there, it can form an ice dam, which causes even more water to build up. Ice dams can lead to mold and other water damage, as well as leaks and structural damage. Make sure your attic has proper ventilation, and unblock any debris that might impact its efficiency. Your home and energy bills will thank you.
Conclusion
When you’re a new homeowner or the winter season sneaks up on you, it’s easy to make home maintenance mistakes that can affect the comfort, safety, and structure of your home. You don’t want to let snow pile up on your lawn or home, or allow weather drafts to lead to uncomfortable home temperatures. Some issues, like insufficient attic ventilation or frozen pipes, can lead to very costly problems down the road, like plumbing replacement or attic water damage. Most of the preventative maintenance options to prepare your home for winter are cost-friendly and easy to do yourself, making them a smart choice for all types of homeowners.
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