Many people think that when the wintertime arrives, they can kick back and relax in terms of home maintenance. While you may not need to mow the lawn or rake leaves, you still have plenty to do. Taking proactive steps now can protect your home against winter problems.
The cold weather can wreak havoc on anything from your plumbing to your home’s very foundation. Foliage can make it difficult to inspect for damage in some areas during the warmer months. Perform these maintenance tasks today, before the hubbub of the holidays prompts you to forget.
1. Insulate Pipes
One of the best ways to protect your home against winter problems is to insulate your pipes. If your pipes freeze and break, not only do you need to replace the broken line — you need to clean up a disaster in water damage. Make sure you select snug-fitting insulation and take care to miter the corners to prevent gaps.
If your pipes freeze without bursting, you can gently unclog them by using a heat gun. If you travel over the holidays, leave your faucets dripping a bit to prevent freezing. You should still show caution with more involved projects like plumbing.
2. Fireplace Maintenance
If you have a fireplace, no doubt you dream of cozying up by it while the snow falls outside. However, if you don’t maintain it, you endanger your health. Soot and creosote can build up in your chimney, making it impossible for fumes to escape.
This blockage can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning — and since this gas is odorless, you might not know your household levels are too high until it’s too late.
Make sure to install and test carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working correctly. Call out a chimney sweep once a year to inspect your flue and clear away any debris.
3. Change Your Filters
Did you know that you can prevent a range of HVAC issues by changing your filters regularly? If you don’t have central air, you may have neglected this monthly chore during the summer. However, to protect your home against winter problems— and your family from frostbite — you need to get back on schedule.
How often you change your filters depends upon various factors, such as whether you smoke or have pets. A good baseline is to swap them out monthly. However, you may need to do so more often if you have poor indoor air quality or multiple pets.
h2>4. Inspect Your Foundation
If your foundation develops severe cracks, it can cost you tens of thousands of dollars to repair. When foundations crumble altogether, you may need to abandon the property. Inspecting your foundation can prevent minor problems from becoming more substantial headaches.
Walk the perimeter of your home and look for slightly bulged masonry walls that can lead to collapse. Small, vertical cracks in the center of the foundation do occur during the settling of new construction.
However, any breaks more massive than the width of a dime require further inspection by a professional. It might cost a bit now, but it can save you a fortune later.
While you’re at it, you should also take time to assess your driveway. Water can fill cracks and freeze, causing damage you could have avoided.
5. Clean Out Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to accumulate on your roof, causing leaks. Once the leaves have departed until spring, give them a thorough cleaning to protect your home against winter problems. While you’re on your ladder, visually inspect your roof for any damaged areas.
You might be able to patch it instead of replacing the entire thing. This remedy can save you considerable money. If you have a two-or-more story home, consider calling in a professional to protect your safety. At the very least, protect your brain bucket with a hard hat.
6. Seal Your Windows
Do you feel a draft when you sit by your picture window? If you do, you need to update your caulking and weather stripping. The best part about this chore is, you don’t need any specialized skills to complete it. Caulk can get a little messy, so keep some damp towels handy.
You can prevent drips by applying pressure slowly and moving at a 45-degree angle to the surface. If you get a chill when you walk by a doorway, replace your weather stripping. Most varieties are peel-and-stick.
7. Winterize Your Garage
You might think, “My garage is enclosed. Why do I have to winterize it? My car doesn’t feel cold!” This statement is true. However, a garage that gets too cold can damage your vehicle and any other equipment you store there. It also does a number on your heating bill every time you enter your house from that direction.
Install insulation to keep your garage warmer and inspect your door for any cracks. You’ll feel significantly more comfortable every time you pull in, and you’ll protect the value of the things you store within.
Protect Your Home, Protect Your Investment
Once you protect your home against common winter problems, you can relax at last.Now, go and make yourself a fresh pot of coffee. You deserve it.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
