5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter:
Right now we are still enjoying the warm weather of September but before we know it the leaves will be turing colors, pumpkins will be sitting on front porches and cooler temperatures will be here. As much as we hate to admit it, fall is right at our doorstep and winter is right behind it.
Since the temperatures are still nice, this is the perfect time to get your home ready for the harsh Michigan winter. Last year we hit record cold temperatures which meant high heating bills and damaging elements. With some home improvements, you can take the strain out of the winter months and worry less about how the snow will effect your home.
1. Gutter Cleaning
Your gutters help melting snow drain off the roof and direct the water away from your home. If left full of debris, clogged gutters and drains can prevent your drainage systems from working properly. This can lead to water seeping into your home either through the roof or through the foundation of your home.
Having your gutters clean by a professional ensures they are properly cleaned and inspected to see if they are working properly. They will check for misalignments or any other damage that could cause them not to work properly.
2. Roof Inspection:
Weak spots in your roof can become even more problematic in the winter time. Ice dams are a common occurrence in winter. They are a result of a build-up of ice and water on the roof and under the shingles. Ice dams can lead to water leaking into your home through cracks and joints causing extensive water damage to your home.
A roof inspection can identify potential hazards in your roof whether from missing shingles or a weaken structure. A professional will asset whether your roof is fine or if you need a repair or replacement.
3. New Windows
Do you avoid that spot next to the window because it gets too cold in the winter? This is caused by weakened window seals that allow air to travel through. This means the cold air is coming in and the hot air is going out. Avoid the cold drafts in your home and upgrade to energy efficient windows.
Energy efficient windows flex to adjust to temperature variations which then puts less stress on the seals. They are designed and built to reduce heat transfer and prevent air infiltration.
4. New Doors
You want your outer doors to protect against both the cold and the snow. Doors that have started to rot, warp or deteriorate are no longer resistant to weather elements. Damages to the interior of your home can be caused by leaks from melting snow.
Getting a new door can be crucial to creating a barrier against the outside. Consider upgrading to a fiberglass door that won’t dent, rust or warp for the ultimate resistance against mother-nature.
5. Make Sure Your Home is Properly Insulated
There are 46 million under insulated homes in the United States, according to the Harvard University School of Public Health. Is your home one of them?
Having inadequate insulation in your home not only raises your energy cost but can ruin your home’s structure. Insulation becomes even more crucial in the winter because it can prevent pipes from freezing, ice dams from causing leaks and mold growing from condensation build-up.
Correcting the insulation problems before damages occur can save money in the long run and may reduce your heating cost. A professional can provide an infrared scan of your home to determine where you are losing heat.
Streamline Enterprises is located in Lansing, Michigan and have been providing the surrounded areas with quality exterior home improvement services since 1998. Contact Streamline Enterprises for additional information on their products and services.