There are some winter home repair tasks that you have to attend to before the winter really gets into full swing, and some follow-up tasks to have in mind during the winter months.
The temperatures are dropping, and the snow is starting to fall, and many of us are wishing that we could curl up in our beds and hibernate. Not so fast. There are some winter home repair tasks that you have to attend to before the winter gets into full swing, and some follow-up tasks to have in mind during the winter months.
Insulation
Your insulation plays a super important role in keeping the cold winds out and your precious heat in this winter. Before winter hits, you need to inspect your insulation and make sure it is up to the task. Especially in the attic, you need to make sure that you have enough insulation that heat isn’t escaping through the roof. The biggest risk to heat escaping through your roof (besides the hurt it puts on your wallet) is that when the snow melts and refreezes it can create an ice dam that traps water on your roof and causes damage. In addition to checking your insulation, you should also check the weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors, and replace screens with storm windows. As the winter goes on, keep an eye on these areas to make sure you’re not developing drafts.
Water Pipes
Water pipes are vulnerable to the freezing temperatures of winter, so before those get here, make sure your pipes are prepared. If the pipes pass through areas that are uninsulated (like crawlspaces, garages, or basements), you should wrap them in UL-listed heat tape. You should also check thoroughly for drips and leaks and repair them as soon as possible. As the season progresses, keep an eye out for new drips or leaks, and turn the water off if one develops. You should also shut off the water if you go away on vacation to head off home repair issues when you come back.
Heating System
Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your heating system running smoothly, so you should schedule your check-up for before the heating season starts, if possible. Clean or replace the filters if your system is forced air. Have your chimney checked once a year, and if the chimney is for a fireplace or wood burning stove, make sure they check for creosote buildup. During the winter months, keep an eye of your heating fuel levels so that you don’t risk running out. Keep the thermostat set at least 55 degrees. The area within the walls (where the pipes are) is cooler than the rooms, so you don’t want them to get too cold.
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If you have even more questions about mold removal or if you want the professionals to take care of it for you, you can trust North Arundel Contracting. Reach us by telephone at 410-766-2855 or by fax at 410-553-2367 and visit us online. Shoot us an email at [email protected] and for after-hours emergencies, page us at 410-541-0328. To find out what we are up to, or for more tips and tricks, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.