When the temperatures start to cool and memories of summer are long gone, homeowners often look towards the maintenance their homes need for the winter months ahead. Winterization protects against the harsh weather extremes of winter and prevents damage. Whether homeowners are shutting up their vacations home or battening down the hatches for winter snow, winterization becomes critical.
When Should Homeowners Winterize a Home?
Many homeowners wonder when it is the optimal time to winterize their homes. For most climates, it is wise to begin winterizing in early to mid-fall. Starting early gives homeowners plenty of time to take care of their winterization tasks so they do not become overwhelmed by the process. Some homeowners even hire a Texas Home Improvement expert to take care of these winter chores for them.
5 Steps for Winterizing Homes
Winterizing a home does not require an expansive budget and can be done a step at a time to avoid stress. Taking the following steps will assist homeowners in understanding how to start the process of winterizing their homes.
Cleaning the Gutters
Cleaning the gutters is a chore most homeowners do not like doing. Although gutter maintenance can be a pain, it is a necessary part of homeownership. During the winter, freezing temperatures lead to snow and ice that needs to be ushered away from the roof. Clogged gutters do not drain properly. Cleaning the gutters is an essential part of home winterization.
Roof and Attic Inspection
Roof damage increases during the winter if there are vulnerable areas. Now is the time to inspect the attic and roof for any signs of damage. Look for wet spots in the attic, and climb a ladder to inspect for signs of shingle or flashing damage. Taking care of these inspections in the fall will prevent minor problems from becoming severe.
Inspect the Chimney
Homes with fireplaces need chimney inspections before winter comes. Dirty chimneys can become fire hazards that are dangerous. Make sure the chimney does not need cleaning and no birds have made nests that are blocking smoke and soot escape.
Seal the Windows
Weatherproofing the windows is a chief winterization chore to help prevent cold drafts that can cause heating systems to overwork and lead to increased energy costs. Seal any gaps or cracks with weather stripping or caulk. Cover the windows in shrink-wrap plastic to keep the cold out and the warm inside.
Weatherproof the Plumbing Pipes
When the temperatures drop low, frozen pipes can become a problem. There are a few steps homeowners should take to protect their plumbing systems against burst pipes.
· Shut off the outdoor hose, and put it away for the winter.
· Know how to shut off the main water supply in case of emergencies.
· Cover exposed pipes with foam protectant sleeves.
Winterization Protects Homes From Damage
Not only does winterization save homeowners money on their heating costs and keep them more comfortable during winter, but it also prevents costly damages. Homeowners who go through the steps above ensure they protect their investments against damages that may occur because of cold temperatures, ice, and snow.
Winterization is not difficult. Most homeowners can take care of the above steps on a couple of weekends. By taking action now, issues like leaks, frozen pipes, and chilly drafts will not spoil the winter season for homeowners.
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