Winter is Coming. Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Weatherproofing your Home This Winter

Winter is coming, even if you are not traveling this winter, getting your home winterized should be on the top of your to-do list. Winterization helps you save on heating costs, prevents damage to your furnace and plumbing systems, and helps keep your home safe, warm, and dry.

If you are traveling, make sure you do these things:

• Leave bathroom doors and cabinets open or cracked. Open doors and cabinets will keep the warm air flowing throughout your home and reduce the risk of pipes freezing.

• Leave the hot water side of your faucets dripping. A dripping faucet will maintain movement in your pipes while you are away.

• Let neighbors and friends know you will be out of town. If you will be gone for an extended period of time having someone you trust who can come and check on your home once a month or so is ideal as well.

Frozen or burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Check off these quick steps to winterization, and you will be ready for the freezing temperatures!

Weatherproofing Your Home

Weatherproofing includes a variety of tasks that help you keep cold outside and heat inside. It can also help you lower your energy bills. Try these tips to keep your home warmer, for less money, this winter:

Install Storm Doors

The air that seeps in around your doors and windows can keep your furnace running way too often. Storm doors provide double-duty protection by sealing out cold air and keeping moisture from reaching your door frames.

Replace Weather Stripping on Old Doors and Windows

Weather stripping comes in a variety of materials (like vinyl and foam) designed to block cold. These materials may require certain glues or tapes to apply, though some types already have adhesive applied. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the correct application of your product.

Caulk Around Windows

Drafty windows (especially those in your attic) are a common culprit for lost heat during the winter. Check all your windows for drafts and apply caulk around windows to seal out cold and keep heat in.

Insulate Your Attic

If you have an unfinished attic or have never checked to see if your space is properly insulated, you could be in for a big surprise. A large amount of your home’s heat can escape from your attic, causing high energy bills, dangerous ice dams, and leaks. Insulate your attic with the proper materials and thickness for your climate. Your basement and attached garage can benefit from insulation as well.

Winterizing Your Plumbing System

Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, so be sure to remove all exterior hoses and water fixtures from the spigot and cover exterior spigots with Styrofoam covers. Also be sure to wrap any exposed exterior water lines with insulation to prevent freezing and potential line cracking or other damage.

Learn the Locations of Your Shut-Off Valves

If you encounter frozen pipes or leaks during the winter, then you need to know how to stop the water flow as quickly as possible. Make sure you know where each shut-off valve is located, including the main valve that shuts off water to your entire home. No matter how much you know about how to winterize a house, something may go wrong. When you already know where the shutoffs are, you can respond faster to problems.

Close the Foundation Vents and Repair Any Broken Basement Windows

Check your basement thoroughly before winter sets in. Close foundation vents and caulk around windows to prevent drafts that could lead to frozen pipes. Repair cracked or broken windows before temperatures dip below freezing.

Keep Your Heat On

Even when you will not be home, it is essential to keep your thermostat set at 55 degrees to avoid frozen pipes during extremely cold weather. Smart home thermostats are a great option to ensure your house stays warm while traveling without breaking the bank on your heating bill.

Allow the Water to Drip from Faucets When Temperatures Are Below 20 Degrees

If you live in an area where temperatures can or even regularly drop below 20 degrees it is important to allow a slow drip overnight in several or all your faucets, in order to keep water moving. This movement is usually all you need to avoid frozen and or burst pipes.

How to Winterize a House by Preparing the Roof

Your roof takes the brunt of all types of winter weather. You probably don’t think much about the condition of your roof as long as it’s keeping the rain out. But when winter is on the way, it is important to inspect your roof for any dangers that could lead to damage from winter weather. Take these steps to ensure your roof is winter-ready:

Inspect the Roof

Look for signs of deterioration, loose or damaged flashing, and clogged valleys. Inspect shingles for wear. Watch for broken, frayed, curled, or missing shingles. If you are unsure of your roof’s condition, or unable to inspect it yourself, contact a professional roofer for an inspection.

Clear Away Dirt and Debris

It is important to keep your roof clear of debris and moss. Maintenance and More offers roof and gutter cleaning in addition to all your other home repair needs. Clear dirt, pine needles, fallen leaves, moss and other debris from your roof. This type of organic matter can prevent the natural flow of water and snow from your roof and lead to ice dams.

Check and Clean the Gutters

Fall and early winter are prime times for clogged gutters. Inspect your gutters for leaves and other debris. Scoop out large clogs and use a water hose to flush out smaller debris from your gutter system. Clogged gutters cause water backup which can send water cascading over the tops of gutters onto the heads of those below or even worse make its way into your home!

Check Your Chimney for Buildup or Blockage

Creosote buildup in your fireplace and chimney can be dangerous. Additionally, if your chimney cap is damaged or missing, it is not uncommon for birds, bees, or other small creatures to take up residence in your chimney while it’s not in use. If you’re concerned about the condition of your fireplace, flue, or chimney, call a chimney sweep for assistance before using your fireplace.

Optimize Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great tool as you develop your plan for how to winterize a house. It allows you to customize your heating system for the most efficient heating schedule, even when you are not home. You can program the thermostat for one temperature when you are home and another while you are away allowing you to save money and stay warm.

Schedule an Energy Assessment

Many power companies provide free services to help you detect areas that cause excessive energy loss during winter. An energy assessment will help you understand specific changes that can help you keep your home warmer and save money on energy bills.

Check Smoke and C0 Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential safety measures no matter how you heat your home. Inspect all the detectors in your home and replace the batteries as needed. Remember if your detectors are 10 or more years old then it is time for a replacement. Not sure how old your smoke detectors are, no problem, call Maintenance and More (360) 583-6879 and we will come out and look at them at no cost to you.

Get Professional Help

We do not mean to say you are crazy we just mean that most homeowners are not heating experts. Your HVAC technician, chimney sweep, or a local electrician can provide you with a professional inspection to ensure your heating system is working properly and safely for the season ahead.

Pro Tip for How to Winterize a House:

If you have not replaced your furnace or central air filters within the last three months, now is the time to take care of them. Your furnace will run more efficiently, provide more heat, and deliver fresher air with clean filters. Filters should be replaced at least once each season. If you are not sure how to change your filters feel free to give us a call or click here.

Clearing out space for your next project

Whether doing a small home maintenance project or a major remodel, making room and clearing clutter is a must-do. Fortunately, we have an affordable, safe, and nearby solution. Maintenance and More offers handyman services in Vancouver, WA, and the surrounding areas (Washington only). Get in touch any way that works best for you or click here to learn more.