It can be hard to adjust to the cold weather when winter sets in, which is why people make sure they’re prepared by keeping window scrapers handy, buying a nice, sturdy snow shovel, and getting the warm coats and boots out of storage. It’s also important to prepare your home for the winter to keep it both comfortable and free from problems that can wreak havoc during the winter. These tips can help prepare your home for winter.
To keep your home more comfortable this winter, make sure you add insulation as much as possible. This doesn’t have to be an expensive job; you can add insulation simply by sealing cracks around windows and the foundation with caulk. You can help insulate the windows by installing clear plastic and minimize drafts under doors by placing a rolled towel or other draft blocker at the bottom of the door where cold air enters. If your budget allows, add insulation between the walls and in the attic to help prevent heat transfer and keep your home toastier throughout the winter. This will also help save money on your heating bill.
Problems with your roof or gutters will often worsen throughout the winter, so it’s a good idea to check the condition of the roof and gutters before the snow and ice start. Make sure there are no areas where water is sitting on the roof. This can cause issues with ice dams that will almost certainly cause roof leaks. Check for missing or damaged shingles and flashing and get them repaired as needed. In addition, make sure the roof drains water properly to the gutters, which should be clear to allow water to be directed away from the roof and the foundation. This can help you avoid problems with leaking and foundation settling later on.
Overgrown vegetation can cause problems because it can damage your roof and pose a risk of broken windows during severe winter storms. In addition, trees that are near electrical wires increase your risk of power problems during the winter, so to avoid this and property damage from trees and shrubs, keep them properly pruned.
You can also reduce your chances of flooding this winter by turning off outside water sources and making sure sprinkler lines and hoses are drained. It’s also a good idea to insulate exposed pipes to help prevent them from freezing and breaking during especially cold spells. You should also check out crawl spaces and basements for any potential plumbing risks.
There are few things worse than having your furnace go out just when you need it most. Make sure you have an HVAC company inspect and tune up your furnace before winter hits. This will ensure your furnace kicks on as needed and will allow the technician to identify any potential problems that can be repaired before the damage worsens and results in furnace failure.
Another professional service you should take advantage of is an overall home inspection. A quality home inspection in Philadelphia, PA, will identify issues with any of your home’s essential components. They’ll detect problems with the roof, insulation, walls, ceilings, and plumbing and electrical systems. Identifying any issues will make sure repairs can be done before the safety or comfort of your family is compromised this winter. Contact Eagle Inspections today to schedule your home inspection.