Winter is just around the corner, and as the days get shorter, the nights grow colder. With chilly winds and snowfall waiting in the wings, every homeowner should be thinking about how to ensure their home stays warm, cozy, and damage-free.
If you’re in Avon, preparation can mean the difference between a relaxing winter by the fireplace and an unexpected, costly repair in the cold.
That’s because Avon, IN, enjoys winter from December to March, with January being the coldest when the temperature can drop to as low as 22°F. Rain and snow are expected during these months.
Below, we’ll go over some important steps every homeowner should consider as winter approaches.
[PS: You should also consider reading Home Improvement 101: Easy Tips for Upgrading Your Living Space]
1. Roof Repair and Maintenance
Your home’s roof serves a crucial role. It’s the first thing that stands between you and the harsh winter elements like snow, sleet, and rain.
We all know how damaging water can be. Water leaks lead to mold, damaged furniture, and even structural issues. And during winter, a weak roof could lead to even more problems.
You may wonder, how do you know if your roof needs some attention? Some signs are more obvious than others. For instance, if you see missing shingles or if you spot water stains on your ceiling, it’s a clear call to action.
But some signs are more subtle, like if your energy bill seems unexpectedly high.
But there comes a time in every roof’s life when repairs might not cut it anymore. Every roof, no matter how sturdy, has an expiration date.
Most roofs, depending on the material, last between 20 to 30 years. If your roof is nearing this age, or if it seems like you’re always calling someone to fix a new leak, it might be time for a replacement.
For this purpose, it’s best to hire roof replacement experts. Look for expert roofers in Avon so they may guide you on every aspect of the replacement project. This way, you may also determine Avon Roof Replacement cost and budget accordingly.
2. Insulating Your Home
A house is more than just four walls and a roof. It’s a complex system, with each part playing a role in keeping you comfortable. And a big player in this system? Insulation.
Insulation is like a cozy blanket for your house. Just as you wouldn’t go outside in the cold without a jacket, your home needs insulation to stay warm. It keeps the heat inside, ensuring your home stays at a comfortable temperature without wasting energy.
Checking your insulation is pretty straightforward. One simple method is the touch test. On a cold day, touch your walls, floors, and ceilings. If they feel cold, it’s a sign your home might be under-insulated.
Another sign is if you’re always turning up the thermostat, but certain rooms never seem to get warm. It could mean those areas are lacking proper insulation.
Another important place to check? Your windows and doors. These areas are notorious for letting out heat. If you can feel a draft or if the areas around your windows and doors are always cold, it might be time to consider beefing up the insulation there.
Ensuring your home is properly insulated not only makes for a cozier winter but can also save you money. A well-insulated house needs less energy to stay warm, which means lower heating bills for you.
[Also Read: Beat The Heat: 6 Tips to Help You Conserve Energy During the Summer]
3. Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
Have you ever seen water pouring down the side of your house during a rainstorm? Or big icicles hanging from your gutters in the winter? Both of these can be signs that your gutters need some attention.
Your gutters play a simple yet important role: they guide water away from your home. This might sound small, but water can cause big problems. If it pools around your house, it can damage the foundation.
In winter, blocked gutters can lead to ice dams. These are chunks of ice that block water from flowing. When this trapped water melts, it can seep under your roof or even into your walls.
So, what can you do? First, check your gutters. Remove leaves, sticks, and other stuff that might block the water. It’s a good idea to do this a couple of times a year.
If cleaning isn’t your thing, you might think about gutter guards. They cover your gutters, letting the water in but keeping the clutter out.
4. Furnace and Heating System Check
When winter comes, there’s one thing we all want: to stay warm. Your heating system, like your furnace, plays a big role in this. But just like any machine, it needs some care to do its job well.
Imagine this: it’s the coldest day of the year, and suddenly your furnace stops working. No one wants that! To avoid such a situation, check your furnace every year before winter starts. It means cleaning it, making sure all parts work, and changing any filters.
How do you know if your furnace might need more than just a checkup? If it’s old and doesn’t warm your house well, or if it makes strange noises, it might be time for a new one. Remember, a good furnace can save you money in the long run because it uses less energy.
5. Protecting Pipes from Freezing
Water pipes are like the veins of your house, taking water where it’s needed. But in winter, these pipes face a challenge: freezing. When water in the pipes freezes, it expands, which can make the pipe burst, leading to leaks or even water damage.
You can avoid this by making sure your pipes are warm. Pipes that are outside or in cold areas, like basements, are at the highest risk. To keep them safe, you can wrap them in special foam or even old towels.
On extremely cold nights, it can help to let your taps drip a little, which keeps the water moving, making it harder to freeze.
6. Sealing Windows and Doors
Ever stood near a window in winter and felt a cold breeze, even though it was closed? It can be a sign that your windows and doors aren’t sealed well.
Sealing means making sure there are no gaps that let the cold air in or the warm air out. It’s a simple step, but it can make a big difference. Check your windows and doors for any gaps.
You can use special strips or even caulk to fill them. It will keep your home warmer and also lower your energy bills.
Conclusion
Winter might be a time for snowball fights and cozy nights, but it’s also a time to make sure our homes are ready for the cold.
With a bit of preparation, like checking the roof and sealing windows, we can ensure a warm and safe winter. So, let’s grab our tools and get our homes winter-ready. But for tasks like roof replacement, it’s best to call the professionals.