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Winter Proofing your home can take a lot of planning and organization, so the earlier you start to think of it, the better.
Each house will have different requirements, but there are some core areas that everyone must think of. Some of these tasks can be done by most people, but some will require professional help.
Being prepared can make winter easier for homeowners. Having the right tools is essential. Make sure that you have a shovel to clear pathways and dig out your car.
After clearing paths its a great idea to lay some grit. Grit helps dissolve ice and also provides traction for people walking.
This may be a dreaded chore for most, but clean gutters are important when winter comes! When gutters are clogged up with leaves and branches it can be hard for water to flow away. This water can then overflow to the ground below.
If the problem gets bad enough the pooling water can leak down into the foundation of the home. In the colder winter months, the pooling water in the drain pipes can freeze. This puts a lot of stress on the drainpipes and can cause them to sag and pull away from the house.
Water expands when frozen. This can destroy the plumbing system if you aren’t prepared. It is vital that you shut off the water supply to any outdoor tap by October. Replacing your plumbing would be an expensive exercise, so make sure this is top of your to-do list!
Before winter comes, it’s important to make sure that no trees or bushes are rubbing up against your home. During winter storms vegetation can rub against the brickwork and facade causing costly damage.
Large branches have been known to fall off trees and cause damage to roofs as well. An easy preventative measure, like pruning, can go a long way to prevent this.
Heat management is key to keeping your home warm all winter long. A good insulation system will prevent heat from escaping your home. This will make your home be a more comfortable place to be and help keep utility bills low.
Did you know that 30-35% of heat in the home is lost through the roof? Fibreglass is a popular material to insulate roof spaces. It is easy to lay and effective, but can cause itching if exposed to bare skin. Walls can be retrofitted with insulation with a foam spray. These sprays expand when they enter the wall cavity and provide fantastic insulation.
Heat can escape from the smallest of gaps. In most homes, the majority of these small gaps are found in window frames and door frames. A quick fix heat escaping out through door frames is using a heavy-duty door draft stopper.
If this doesn’t fix the problem you should consider installing a new door and frame that are airtight with an insulated core. Older windows can also be replaced. Triple-glazed windows with an Energy Star-certification will provide fantastic insulation.
All furnace owners should complete annual checks. Not only will this make your furnace safer, but it will also be more efficient and cost-effective. It’s a good idea to inspect your furnace filter and replace them on a regular, consistent basis. Lint and dust can also build up so it’s important to keep an eye on this as well. If you don’t feel comfortable taking this task on yourself, there are plenty of industry professionals out there who can service your furnace for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about winter-proofing your house, why not contact the experts. RDC Fine Homes have been in business for 26 years and have built homes that will last for many, many winters to come.
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