Repairs to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

Pumpkin lovers rejoice! While people who love the sunny days of summer might not be thrilled with the shortening days and cooler weather, there is still plenty to love about fall. Curling up in cozy blankets leaves changing colors, comfort foods, and holidays are all part of what makes fall such a great season. 

For those who enjoy taking care of their house and ensuring it’s in tip-top shape, fall has a lot going for it as well. The cool but still comfortable weather makes it a wonderful time to spend outdoors, and the changing leaves provide a lovely setting for outdoor work. 

Taking that time to spend working on your home will pay off big time when winter hits. Fall maintenance tasks help to make your home stronger for the inclement weather ahead. And if there are any trouble areas, it’s best to identify them in the fall, so you have plenty of time to deal with them before the snow starts falling.

Here are some of the top repair jobs to take on around the house to prepare for the cold, wintry weather that will soon be arriving.

Seal Up Cracks

Sticking doors caused by excessive moisture are common in climates where the humidity is high, and the moisture is unregulated in the home’s interior. Doors and windows can also stick due to uneven foundations caused by foundation settlement or foundation heave. If an uneven foundation causes your sticky doors, the solution is to even out your foundation through foundation repair.

When winter comes, there’s nothing worse than setting your heat to a comfortable temperature but still feeling uncomfortable cold drafts throughout your home. Taking time to seal up any leaks will pay off big time later on. Plus, it’s a very affordable fix, with caulk and weatherstripping both affordable materials.

Windows and doors are prime spots for air leaks, so from the exterior, check over the areas around them for any cracks or gaps. Close them up using caulk or weatherstripping. Also, check around outdoor faucets, plugs, and in areas where siding meets.

If you caulk and weatherstrip and still find cold drafts from windows and doors, you might want to consider upgrading. In particularly cold zones, consider getting windows from triple glazed window manufacturers, as triple-glazed windows are the most effective at keeping the frigid temperatures at bay. While they are more expensive than double-glazed windows, the energy savings and increase in comfort are often seen as worth the price.

Up on the Roof

It’s important to make sure your home is protected from above, so inspect your roof and repair any missing, loose, or damaged shingles. While you’re at it, clean fallen leaves and debris from your roof and clean out your gutters to ensure melting snow can run off the roof and through the downspouts without encountering blockages. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, causing ice dams and potentially significant damage.

Also, Check – Best Types Of Shutters

Fire and Heat

If you have a fireplace, you’re probably looking forward to a roaring fire to keep you warm on cold winter nights. But before you do that, be sure to have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and serviced. These areas are major causes of home fires, so annual maintenance is not something that should be delayed or skimped on.

Also, be sure to turn on your heat early in the fall. This will allow you to identify any problems early on, so you can get them repaired before it gets cold and you really need it.