When winter sets in, we can’t help but think about our cozy, warm sweaters and slippers. We can also easily forget that our homes need more than a little TLC in the cold weather to be safe and comfortable.
A home winterization checklist can go a long way to ensure your house is ready for whatever winter brings. Not only does it save money on costly repairs later in the year, but it also protects your home from damage and danger that can happen when we’re not home to watch out for it.
Professional gutter cleaning
If you haven’t cleaned your gutters in a while, you may want to consider getting them done. This is an excellent way to ensure that they are free of debris and can handle the heavy snowfalls that come with winter. A professional gutter cleaning service like Gutter Cleaning Saratoga Springs NY will know how to get into all areas of your gutters, and they’ll be able to clean out debris in hard-to-reach spots.
Storm windows and doors
Installing storm windows and doors is another great way to prevent the entry of cold air into your home. They also add a layer of insulation that can help keep your house warm during the winter.
Using caulk to seal drafty window frames is a great way to prevent winter’s icy chill from penetrating the home. Use a caulk gun or decorator’s caulk to seal out any holes and gaps in your windows. You can even fit brush-style draft excluders in your bottom and top doors, as well as around the letterboxes.
Checking your chimney
It’s a good idea to have your chimney professionally inspected in the fall. This is to make sure there aren’t any flammable materials in it. If there are any, they should be removed or replaced to avoid a fire that could result in serious injury or property damage.
Draining and winterizing your pipes
It might seem like a hassle to drain the water from your home’s plumbing system in the winter, but it’s worth it. This step can protect your pipes from potential freezing and bursting that can result in major water damage, as well as high repair costs.
Before you begin draining your pipes, it’s important to make sure that they are fully drained of water and that there are no loose fittings or any other issues that might cause water to build up and freeze. Having an air compressor on hand to blow out any remaining water can make this process much easier and more effective.
Unplugging appliances and turning off the water supply
A lot of small things can happen while you’re winterizing your home. You might forget a key attic window or forget to turn off the water to your garden hose, so making a list of everything you need to do is a great idea.
Clearing the yard for the gutter cleaners
When professional gutter cleaners arrive to clean your gutters, they’ll need a place to work from. It’s best to clear away any debris from the yard, including rocks and lawn furniture, so they can easily access the roof.
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