It may be hard to believe, but now’s a great time to plan and prepare for cold weather! You can do several simple things now to improve your home comfort and help prevent problems and inconveniences caused by freezing temperatures and winter weather.
WINDOWS AND DOORS
Replace Old Windows and Doors
Old or worn windows and doors can be major contributors to heat loss in your home. At WoodMart Building Center, we can assist with all your window and door replacement needs. Contact us today, and one of our knowledgeable staff will help you find new windows and doors to match your needs, style, and budget.
Seal the Trim
Inspect the trim around windows and doors for gaps where air or moisture can leak. Seal the gaps with caulk or sealer.
Inspect and Replace Seals
The rubber or plastic gaskets around windows and doors can become worn or damaged with use and age, causing air and moisture leaks. Inspect your windows and doors, including patio sliders and the sweep at the bottom of exterior doors. Many can be easily and inexpensively replaced.
Window Insulating Kits
If your windows are older than 20 years old or do not seal properly, consider installing additional insulation to help keep the heat inside your house this winter. A variety of kits are available, and many are simple to install.
ROOF AND ATTIC
Do it yourself or call a professional to ensure your roof and attic are ready to take on snow, wind, and cold. If it’s time for a new roof, insulation, or siding, see WoodMart Building Center for excellent service and quality products.
Insulation
Improper insulation can cause heat to escape from the interior of your home, resulting in higher heating bills and the possibility of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams can form when the roof temperature is above freezing, causing snow accumulation to melt and run off the roof. The runoff then re-freezes at the edges where it’s colder, causing a buildup of water on your roof that can seep inside and cause leaks into the walls and ceilings. A properly insulated attic should keep the roof cold so the snow doesn’t melt off it.
Gutters
Make sure your gutters are clear of debris so they can help eliminate any melted snow runoff that does occur, which will also help to prevent ice dams and damage to the gutters and downspouts.
Ventilation
Inspect your attic vents. Heat and moisture should vent from your attic to help to prevent ice dams. Additionally, proper venting can prevent mold and mildew buildup and deter pests like insects and rodents from seeking a warm, damp environment.
Holes
Eliminate openings where critters can get in. Insects and rodents can seek refuge in your home once the weather turns cold. Inspect your roof and attic for holes or cracks, and patch them with the proper materials like steel wool, expanding foam, or caulk.
WATER PIPES
Inspect water pipes for proper insulation. One of the most dreaded winter problems is frozen pipes, which can cause them to leak or burst. Make sure any pipes that are exposed to outdoor temps, near exterior walls, or under your home in a crawlspace have proper insulation, pipe wraps, or heat tape. The temperature of these spaces need to be kept above freezing, even if it’s an otherwise unused part of your home.
FURNACE
Inspect your home’s heating system and replace the air filter. Replacing your furnace filter regularly improves its efficiency and the air quality in your home. Now may be the best time to schedule an inspection with your HVAC specialist to be sure your furnace is working properly before you need it!
FOUNDATION
Inspect the home’s foundation for cracks. If your foundation has cracks, water can seep inside the crack and freeze, causing the crack to expand. This can lead to water leaks, heat inefficiency, pest problems, and more. There are proper ways to seal cracks, depending on the material of your foundation and many other factors.
FIREPLACE
Inspect fireplaces, chimneys, and flues. For your family’s safety and air quality, you should thoroughly inspect your gas or wood fireplace unit and chimney. Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning to correct problems such as blockages, soot buildup, animal nests, improper airflow, or damage to the gas supply or other components of the unit.
PESTS
Treat for insects. When the temperatures drop, insects will seek the warmth and comfort of your home. You have already helped to prevent unwanted tiny houseguests by sealing cracks and holes in other areas of your home; add another level of protection with the application of insect-repellant barrier products. There are several non-toxic, kid and pet-safe options available.
HUMIDITY
Clean, inspect, prep, or replace humidifiers and their filters. Winter means dry air, which can affect your family’s health and comfort. Low humidity in the home can also cause issues such as dry wood or other materials that make up your furniture, cabinets, or floors. Prevent damage to your home’s design components and increase your family’s comfort by using humidifiers to add humidity to the air in your house. Many types of humidifiers and options are available, including small tabletop units, large floor units, whole house units, and cool-mist models with special features like LED lighting and scent diffusing. Clean your existing units with the manufacturer’s recommended method, replace filters, and inspect for proper operation and safety.
CONCLUSION
Winter weather home challenges can be avoided with preparation and prevention to protect your home. By following these simple tips to prepare your home for winter now, you can avoid major headaches later.
It’s not too late to improve your home to prepare for winter weather. If your home needs a new roof, windows, doors, insulation, or siding, Woodmart Building Center provides the superior products and expert knowledge you need. Contact us today at (217) 223-3791 to schedule a free consultation, and let us be Your Project Partner!