Winter weather can wreak havoc on a house. Ice and snow can damage your roof, and the cold temperatures can crack the caulk around your windows. Also, snowmelt can rot your doorframes and windowsills and even flood your home. These are just some of the issues winter brings, so it’s time to winterize your home.
Follow these winter home care tips, so you don’t end up having to fix one issue after the next. Then, you’ll have the answer to the question, “What should I do to prepare my house for winter?”
1. Weatherproof the Windows and Doors
You probably wonder, “What should I do before winter?” First, make sure you weatherproof your windows and doors before the cold snap comes. You can close the gaps and seal your doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping.
2. How Do I Prepare My Windows for Winter? Add Extra Insulation
You can keep the cold air and water out by covering your windows with plastic sheets. You can still see out of the clear plastic, but you don’t have to worry about outside elements coming inside your house. If you’re looking for winter home care tips to keep you warm and cozy, this is ideal for you.
3. Remove Your Window Screens
You can also prepare your windows for winter by removing the screens. Removing the screens means you will get more natural light inside your house. That light will help you keep your home warm. Also, this prevents snow and ice from building up between the window and the screen.
4. Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating your pipes prevents freezing during the winter. Insulate the pipes located close to any unheated areas in your house and disconnect the outdoor hose from the spigot. Also, don’t turn your faucets off completely. Let the water drip slightly to prevent freezing. Finally, keep your heat on inside of the house. It’s harder for pipes to freeze when it’s warm inside.
5. Clean the Gutters
You probably cleaned the gutters in the fall to remove the leaves. However, the job isn’t finished. Clean the gutters again to remove excess weight. That way, ice won’t cause your gutters to collapse this winter.
6. Don’t Let Ice Dams Form
Preventing ice dams is one of the most essential winter home care tips. Ice dams form right along the roof’s eaves and can cause a wealth of problems. You can avoid ice dams from forming by attaching heated cables to the edge of the roof. If you can’t install them, scrape off snow and ice before building up on the roof.
7. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Did you know you can reverse the direction your ceiling fans spin? The blades should spin counterclockwise in the warm months and clockwise during the winter. The ceiling fan will push the heat down by changing the direction, making your family more comfortable. This will also help you save on your energy bill.
Use These Winter Home Care Tips
These winter home care tips will help you get through the season without any issues. Start following them today, so you’ll be ready when the temperature drops.
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