As winter is fast approaching, you must ensure your home is ready for the changing seasons. With cold temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions, there are certain steps that homeowners need to take to protect their homes from potential damage during the harsh months ahead. We’ll discuss the essential exterior services you should consider when preparing your home for winter, from roof maintenance and gutter cleaning to deck sealing and driveway repairs.
Roof Inspection
As winter approaches, it becomes increasingly important to get your roof inspected because winterizing it can help prevent new damage from occurring during the winter season. This involves thoroughly examining potential issues that could worsen under harsh weather conditions.
Another motivation factor is that proper repairs and improvements carried out during winter can lead to significant savings as your roof becomes more energy efficient. A well-maintained roof provides better insulation, thereby reducing your heating bills.
Spring is a common time for roof inspections, but a winter checkup can also reveal problems that need fixing before the rainy season. By identifying and repairing small issues early, you may avoid more severe and costly repairs later.
Furthermore, the demand for roof repair services is so prominent during the winter and spring that getting your roof inspected and repaired before winter strikes allows you to circumvent waiting lists.
Gutter Cleaning
Winter weather can inflict significant damage on gutters in various ways. One of the most common issues is the formation of ice dams, which occurs when ice accumulates and causes gutters to sag or even dismantle entirely from the roof. Typical gutters cannot shoulder the weight of large ice dams, so you must prepare your home’s exterior to minimize the damage.
In addition to ice dams, strong winter winds can pull gutters and downspouts away from their mounting brackets, causing them to come off your house entirely. This issue is particularly prevalent if you don’t have a high-quality gutter system installed or have neglected routine preventative roof treatments.
Another danger that winter weather poses to gutters is the formation of icicles. These formations may seem innocent enough, but they can be hazardous if they begin to fall. They can cause injuries or even death in severe cases. The formation of icicles indicates water backup in the gutters, which can lead to a litany of other issues beyond a sharp projectile falling toward you.
Ensuring that nothing clogs the gutters so that water can flow freely is crucial in preventing damage during the winter months.
Securing Windows and Doors
Windows often become the primary cause of a home being ill-prepared for the winter, especially if they’re long overdue for a replacement. They might not protect you adequately from frigid temperatures and may force your heating system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills.
Preparing your windows for winter involves cleaning them thoroughly. Doing so ensures any sand, dirt, or dust doesn’t negatively affect hinges, sills, and tracks. Debris can compromise the tightness of the seal, causing drafts in your home.
Applying caulk or weather stripping can sometimes seal gaps and prevent your existing windows or doors from letting cold air in. Regular inspection of your window and door frames for damage and cracks should be a priority for homeowners winterizing their homes.
Investing in the most current and energy-efficient windows does a wonderful job of regulating indoor air temperature. Double- and triple-pane windows offer the best protection and insulation against winter’s wrath.
Never downplay how your doors and windows play a key role in keeping your home warm, comfortable, and safe throughout the winter. Preparing your windows and doors for winter can significantly affect your comfort and energy costs.
Siding Treatment
It’s crucial to seal your siding properly. Cold weather combined with snow and ice can lead to water damage. When your siding is in tip-top condition, it helps keep your exterior protected against these potential dangers. During the cold months, vinyl siding acts like a blanket for your home, providing a barrier that keeps the temperature in check.
As siding ages, it becomes more of a problem, allowing more drafts and cold air to seep into your home. Because of its age, cleaning your siding in winter can help prevent mold or mildew accumulation and impede unwanted drafts.
Low temperatures can cause your siding to contract, compromising its effectiveness and aesthetics. Regular maintenance is key. Hence, preparing your siding for winter protects your home and enhances its energy efficiency and curb appeal.
Home System Checks
Ensure your furnace or heat pump is in good working condition. Have a professional perform a routine checkup to avoid sudden breakdowns during the chilly months. Replace air filters regularly for optimal performance. But beyond that, have a certified technician run diagnostic tests to verify everything is in working order.
With increased use of heaters and fireplaces in winter, the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning rises. Please don’t fall victim to this silent and odorless assassin because you take their functionality for granted.
Pipe Check
When water freezes, it expands, potentially leading to your pipes bursting. Busted pipes will cause severe water damage and costly repairs. In particular, outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated areas are vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
You can prevent unnecessary energy wastage by preparing your pipes for the winter. Insulating exposed fixtures and maintaining a steady indoor temperature help conserve heat and reduce energy bills.
Taking precautions like allowing a small trickle of water to run overnight can protect your pipes from freezing. The cost of the extra water is typically lower than the cost of repairing broken pipes.
Additionally, shutting off and draining the water in systems like swimming pools and water sprinkler supplies can prevent damage from unnoticed leaks.
Preparing your home’s plumbing for winter also includes caulking around pipes where they enter the home, closing all foundation vents, and insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas. These steps can prevent freezing and subsequent damage.
Dryer Vent Care
The dryer is one of the most common culprits for house fires due to lint buildup. Thus, preventing the collection of lint in the dryer duct is paramount. This is especially important during winter when you often use heavier blankets and bulkier clothing that produce more lint.
Dryer vent cleaning is beneficial for your dryer’s performance. Regular maintenance ensures your dryer operates efficiently, reducing energy consumption and extending the appliance’s lifespan.
Cleaning your dryer vent is crucial for the health of your home, particularly in the winter months when you seal the house tightly against the cold. A clean vent will ensure proper ventilation and reduce the risk of poor indoor air quality.
Despite these compelling reasons, many homeowners neglect this essential task. They may believe cleaning the lint screen after every load is sufficient, but this is false. Regular inspection and cleaning of the entire vent—and the area around it—is necessary to ensure it’s not damaged or blocked.
Relying on these essential exterior services to prepare your home for the winter can go a long way in fending off heavy snow, bone-chilling winds, and sub-zero temperatures. A-Rite Construction and Roofing can be your window installation service experts to winterize your home properly. There’s no one you can trust more in the Wausau area than us!
