There’s nothing better than cozy socks, hot cocoa, and a good book or movie on a cold winter’s night. However, the cooler temperatures bring freezing rain, ice, and snow. These winter storms can wreak havoc on your home if you don’t prepare it for the impending weather. Tackle home maintenance projects now so you can enjoy winter activities.
Tip Top Shape
Kris Farwell, Director of Mortgage at Coulee Bank, says, “First, ensure your gutters are clean and the roof is free from leaks. Keeping gutters clean is vital to your home’s foundation. Gutter systems divert water away from the foundation. Water can lead to structural damage to your foundation.” You may consider using mesh gutter guards to keep leaves and twigs from clogging the gutters. If the gutters are clogged, it leads to ice dams which damage the roof.
Scan the roof and look for curling, missing, or damaged shingles. Check the metal flashing near vents and chimneys. Farwell says, “If there is damage, call a contractor to fix it before a winter storm hits.” If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, contact a chimney sweep to remove soot and debris before lighting your first fire. If you have an electric fireplace, look up the proper maintenance tasks in the manual.
After you clean the gutters and inspect the roof, take the time to trim trees or bushes, especially if they are near your home. Leaves and twigs can continue to clutter the roof if not properly cared for.
Winterize Windows and Doors
Farwell urges, “Keep the cold outside where it belongs because it can save you up to 20% on energy costs according to the US Department of Energy.” Check the weather stripping on doors and windows. Button up your home for the winter by replacing deteriorated caulk and weather stripping. You may consider using window film or thermal curtains for added insulation.
Service Your Furnace
You want an efficient and effective furnace this winter especially if you don’t have a fireplace. To ensure the furnace is working properly, here are a few tips:
- Change the air filters to improve air quality
- Clean the furnace so it burns less fuel
- Program the thermostat to make sure your home stays warm all winter long
- Check the vents so the air can circulate properly
- Test the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
- If it is oil-powered, replace the oil filter and nozzle for maximum efficiency
Safe Decorating Tips for the Holidays
“If you use outdoor lighting, make sure lights are certified for outdoor use to withstand rain, snow, and colder temperatures,” says Farwell. Use the appropriate hooks or insulated staples to hang the lights instead of nails or tacks. Check all the bulbs to ensure they work properly. Replace burned-out bulbs for fire safety. All the wiring needs to be intact. If it’s frayed it can be dangerous and lead to electric shock, fire, or other hazards. Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Trim the Tree
Holiday trees are fun and festive whether you choose an artificial or live tree. If you purchase a live tree, try to buy one with needles that are difficult to remove. If the tree easily drops a lot of needles, it may be too dry and a fire hazard. Farwell recommends cutting a small portion off the trunk. The tree should be placed in a stand with water. As long as the tree is indoors, keep water in the stand.
If you choose an artificial tree, it should be labeled as “fire resistant.” The tree should be placed away from heat sources in your home, especially fireplaces and candles. Furthermore, unplug the lights if the tree is left unattended.
After you have the perfect tree, avoid using sharp or breakable ornaments on the tree. Do not decorate the tree with ornaments that look like candy. These items can be a choking hazard for young children. If you make homemade paper ornaments, consider using flame-resistant paper.
Do not put the tree in a high-traffic area. Consider securing the tree to a wall or the ceiling, especially if you have young children or pets.
Find Your Footing
Don’t forget about your home’s foundation this winter because it supports the weight of the entire structure. Farwell recommends fixing cracks in the foundation immediately. If snow is close to the foundation, as it melts, water can seep into cracks in the foundation leading to basement flooding and mold and mildew growth. You may consider adding a sump pump for peace of mind this season. If water seeps into your basement, it prevents flooding.
You can also prevent costly repairs to your foundation by disconnecting hoses from outdoor faucets or spigots. If hoses are left attached water can stay inside the hose. This water expands as it freezes, putting significant pressure on the pipes which causes them to crack or break. This can be detrimental to your foundation.
Use these tips to winterize your home before it is too late. Enjoy making fun holiday memories this season instead of worrying about damage to your home.