The Complete Guide to House Maintenance in The Winter

What is Winterization?

Winterization is a process that is usually performed in late fall or early winter to make your house more energy-efficient. Winterization will undoubtedly save homeowners some money over the year by reducing heating and cooling costs. The winterization process protects your home from possible frozen pipes and costly repairs too. It will also help improve indoor air quality. 

A few things we recommend winterizing are insulation, windows, doors, and pipes.

There are many ways that homeowners can save money on their winter bills without resorting to costly measures such as installing solar panels or buying an expensive new heating system. One way they can do this is by winterizing their home before the cold weather sets in for the season.

Focusing on Your Home’s Foundation

This section will explore the importance of a solid foundation and how correctly maintaining your home’s foundation helps prevent costly repairs.

Foundations are the base of a house. It is responsible for holding up the entire structure, so it is essential to ensure that the home’s foundation is in good condition. 

 Water is the enemy number one of a good solid foundation. Ensure your gutters are clean and downspouts drain water away from the house. Try to extend downspouts to carry rainwater at least 6 feet away from your home’s foundation. Do not wait if you notice water pooling near the house; address it immediately. 

 The natural settling of the house can also cause cracks in the foundation. Fix those cracks as soon as possible. Unattended cracks can cause water to enter your basement and cause a lot of damage. It also causes harmful gases such as radon to enter your living areas.  

Ways To Prevent Roof Ice Dams?

Ice dams are a common problem for homeowners in regions with snow and ice. They can cause roof damage and water damage to a house or building, and heavy ice dams can rip the gutters of the house. They are almost impossible to remove without the right equipment and can be hazardous when attempted without proper knowledge.

The best way to prevent ice dams is by properly insulating your attic and keeping your gutters clean. Roof heating cables are another option to fight ice dams, along with simply cleaning as much snow off of your roof as possible. 

  Seak professional help ASAP if ice has started accumulating on your roof. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes?

Nothing can do more damage to your house than frozen pipes. When water freezes inside the waterline, it expands and raptures it causing extensive water damage. The problem worsens when pipes break inside the walls and are not easily accessible. 

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to keep the temperature in your home above freezing. Buying a programmable thermostat will prevent temperatures in your house from falling below freezing. And make sure you insulate all exposed waterlines. 

In Conclusion

Preparing your house for the winter is no joke and should not be treated as such. Everyone should take winterization seriously, from such simple tasks as sealing window and door drafts to larger items as cleaning your gutters and insulating an attack. It all adds up and serves a larger purpose – protecting your house and you from unforeseen winter calamities. 

Be smart and prepare ahead of time, but always keep a list of your local service pros handy.

Call Property Refresh at (224) 386-4836 if your gutters are clogged or leaking

For ice dams, contact My Window Washing (847) 297-4492

Always keep your local plumber and electrician number handy. In case of emergency, call 911.