The winter is a very critical time for most homeowners. You have to be ready for the extra strain on your heating system. Some crucial repairs will also need to be done before the snow arrives. Others will want to protect their landscaping and prepare it for next season. However, it can be difficult for homeowners to know what should get most of their attention. Let’s take a look at a few maintenance tips that will help you get your house ready for winter.
Think about the Roof
If it’s been a while since you had your roof installed or you aren’t sure about the choice of materials the previous owner made, then it could be a good idea to have it replaced.
Getting a new roof now will make sure that it doesn’t suffer significant damage at a time when roofing work is much more difficult and expensive. Snow and ice put more stress on your roof, so, if you’re dealing with heavy snow where you live, you need to pick a material that will be able to not only withstand snow but will not let heat escape.
That is because there is a chance that ice dams will start forming if excessive heat escapes through the roof. This can be because it was improperly insulated or because the material does a poor job at retaining heat. So, you need to know which ones are the best for winter and watch your insulation, as you don’t want to lose heat, risk damage to the roof, and send your heating bills skyrocketing.
Check Your Heating System
Speaking of heating, you have to make sure you give your system a nice inspection before the cold starts. At the very least, you should change your filters, but the best option would be to call an HVAC technician so they can inspect it thoroughly.
Check for Drafts
Check whether there are any air drafts around the house. These are usually under or around doors and windows. One easy way to do so is to go around the house with a tealight and see how it reacts. You also want to see if there are any leaks in the attic as well.
There are many ways that you can cut drafts is to use weather strips on doors and windows. Installing new door sweeps is another option. Foam tape also works pretty well and is easy to install. Weatherproofing your house could save you as much as 15% on your energy bills according to the EPA, so this one simple step could make a world of difference on your monthly bills.
Seal Your Driveway
Another very important thing is making sure that you check your driveway for any cracks if you have a concrete one. If you notice any, you might want to have it sealed before the winter comes, as things are only going to get worse.
These are all things that you can do to limit damage to your property and protect yourself from the cold this winter. Make sure that you give all of that special attention and you’ll be able to save yourself a lot of trouble.
