The arrival of Winter brings with it a chill that calls for hunkering down in the warmth and comfort of your home. But when your house has not been properly prepped for cold weather, an outdoor winter wonderland can very easily lead to indoor winter woes. The key to beating back the chill? Winterizing your home before the worst arrives. With the help of weatherproofing materials and a durable tarpaulin, your home will be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
Free Flues
After months of hibernation, your interior fireplace will need a thorough refreshing before it can start keeping your home nice and toasty. Start by phoning a local chimney sweep for a professional inspection. Once they’ve checked for any issues, have them give your flue a thorough cleaning. Soot buildup and animal nests are common culprits of flue blockage that any professional can take care of with ease.
Outdoor fireplaces will also require your attention if you plan on spending any winter evenings warming up by the fire. Like before, have the flue tested for efficiency and the fireplace cleaned of any soot or debris. And make sure to use aesthetically pleasing outdoor protection such as sectional covers or bbq covers to keep fireside furniture safe from the mess that might arise.
The Wind in the Windows
When it comes to heat escaping in the winter, your home’s windows are culprit inumber one. Prevent cold winds from getting in by inspecting window frames for gaps, cracks, and any other opportunities for a chill to enter your home. Weatherstripping can be added to the base and edges of your windows to keep drafts out when winter winds come to town.
Hanging heavy curtains and drapes throughout your home is another simple way to keep things well insulated. Seek out insulating curtains that also allow natural light to filter through to take advantage of nature’s heater.
All Systems Operational
There’s no denying that your home’s heating system will be working hard all winter. But before you start cranking up the thermostat, it’s crucial that you get it prepped and ready for the season ahead. Start by giving the system a test run to ensure that everything is in working order before cold temperatures arrive. The last thing you want is to have to fix a faulty heater in the dead of winter.
Having your furnace filters replaced is another step towards getting your system in shape. A fresh filter will keep your heat running smoothly and save you from costly repairs: a furnace repair can run you up to $477.
Last but certainly not least, perform a thorough maintenance check on all of the alarm systems in your home, from the fire and carbon monoxide alarms to any security systems. Having the peace of mind that your home is safe and sound will help you relax and enjoy the cozy days indoors that much more.
Gutter Gumption
Your home’s gutters can easily be overlooked when prepping for winter. However, they’ll be hard to ignore if they ice over when temperatures get below freezing. Cleaning the leaves and debris that accumulate in your gutters allows precipitation to flow without obstruction, which in turn prevents the formation of icicles and ice dams as well as the resulting floods that can damage walls and foundation.
Pipe Dream
Frozen pipes are an inconvenience countless homeowners are forced to deal with every winter. When this all-too-common hassle occurs, water will be unable to enter your home, and in the worst case scenario, the frozen pipes will burst and flood your home.
The most crucial step in prepping your pipes for winter is to properly insulate them. Exterior pipes that are exposed to the elements should take priority. Place wrap strips or foam sleeves on the pipes to help prevent freezing or bursting. You can also leave a faucet or two slowly dripping during the sub-freezing temperatures. Running water helps keep your pipes from freezing.
If you’re still concerned about the possibility of a pipe burst damaging your outdoor accessories, consider utilizing protective measures such as table covers, sectional covers, or a waterproof tarpaulin on your patio.
Grill and Chill
In the endeavors to winterize your home, don’t neglect your outdoor lifestyle areas. Backyard appliances such as grills require extra protection in winter as heavy snowfall and below freezing temperatures can damage them in both appearance and function.
Customizable grill covers made from durable, waterproofed materials are ideal for protecting all shapes and sizes all winter long. Make sure that the cover is properly fitted so that no snow can seep through and no hail can scratch the surface. These measures will ensure that your grill is in tip top shape come spring.
Seal the Deal
If you’re the proud owner of a wooden deck or patio furniture, winter snows should cause you some concern. Exposure to moisture can cause significant damage to wooden accessories or flooring, including warping, cracking, and paint deterioration that cannot be repaired.
Thankfully, reliable protection for your deck can be found in wood sealants. Applying sealant to your wooden deck and furniture allows it to repel water, resist UV rays, and prevent any potential warping. Before sealing, ensure that the wood has been cleaned and sanded in order for the chemical solution to properly bond. Add in the protection provided by table covers and you’ve got a fully winterproofed deck.
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