With winter in full swing, ensuring your home is adequately prepared is essential. Preparing the exterior is an often overlooked but essential part of winterizing your home. From properly insulating windows and doors to readying gutters and downspouts, you can take a few simple steps to ensure that your home’s exterior is ready for the cold weather ahead.
Inspect and Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems protect your home from moisture damage during winter. Inspect your gutters and downspouts for debris or clogs, which can lead to water pooling on your roof instead of draining away. If debris has been building up in them, use a garden hose or pressure washer to clear it out. You should also check that all the fasteners are in place and secure; if they come loose over time, they can lead to severe water damage.
Properly Insulate Windows & Doors
One of the most significant sources of energy loss comes from poorly-insulated windows and doors. Check each window and door individually to see if any air is leaking in or out; if so, caulk around the edges or use weatherstripping to seal up any gaps. It would help if you also considered investing in some heavy-duty curtains or drapes; these will help keep heat in during the day and keep cold drafts out at night. They’re also much more aesthetically pleasing than plastic sheeting!
Clear Ice & Snow Away from Your Home
As we all know, snow accumulates quickly here in New England – particularly on rooftops! You must make sure any snow accumulation around your home is cleared away as soon as possible after a storm passes through; otherwise, it could cause damage due to its weight. Additionally, clear off any ice dams that form near eaves or gutters; these can be dangerous and have been known to cause roofs (and ceilings!) to collapse under their weight!
As winter continues to drag on, getting your home’s exterior ready is vital for keeping warm throughout the season. From inspecting & cleaning gutters & downspouts, adequately insulating windows & doors, and clearing ice & snow away from the house, these steps will ensure that you’re well-prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us this year! While winterizing can seem daunting at first glance, with a little effort, you can get everything taken care of quickly and easily! Keep your family safe this winter by ensuring the exterior of your home is ready for whatever comes your way!