As the year draws to a close, we bear witness to a change of seasons. Leaves change color and fall off of their branches, the air gets a little more chilly, and before you know it, you wake up to a snow-covered landscape outside your window.
We often find ourselves preparing for the winter season by switching our entire wardrobe for clothes that are appropriate for the cold weather. Just like us, our homes also need to be made ready for the winter season, otherwise we may end up with a damaged house that can cause irreparable or expensive problems down the line.
Here are a few things you may need to do to make your home winter ready.
Winter-proof exterior wood
When people think of exterior wood, their minds automatically go to the hardwood flooring on their deck or patio. With these types of hardwood flooring, they have already been pre-treated to prevent any type of extensive damage from moisture or pests; most hardwood floors are pretty safe during winter.
Exterior wood trims on the other hand, may need a little TLC for the upcoming winter. Found on windows and doors, they are prone to warping and rotting as they do not come with the same type of treatment used on hardwood floors. To make these wood trims winter ready, you may need to repaint, caulk, or seal them to avoid costly repairs or replacements come springtime.
Inspect the drainage system
In the winter season, trees have shed all of their foliage in preparation for the cold temperatures. Some of those leaves may have fallen on your roof and into your drainage system. Clogged gutters can make for a serious problem; if the water isn’t able to run freely down to the ground and away from your foundation, you could have some serious water damage to your foundation.
Before snowfall, make a cursory inspection of your gutters and downspouts. Check to see if there are any uneven areas in your foundation where water can pool and cause issues. Don’t forget to remove debris from your gutters and inspect for leaks and holes. If there are any, consider repairing them or replacing them with customizable gutters that cater to your home’s specific drainage needs.
Conduct fire safety inspections
It might seem ironic, but your home is more likely to catch fire during the winter. This is because furnaces, fireplaces, and the heating system all tend to get cranked up to max during colder weather. Plus with houses all sealed up to prevent cold air from coming in, smoke can get trapped if homeowners aren’t careful.
Conduct a fire safety inspection before the cold sets in. Have your heating system checked by an HVAC contractor to make sure it works properly. Make sure to test your fire alarm system as well; you want to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter season.
Just like us, our homes need to be prepared for the winter. Unless you want to spend the next season making major repairs to your home, take some time to make your home ready for the cold times too.
