We all know that winter can be a challenging time with unpredictable temperatures and icy winds. But, you might not have considered the toll it takes on your home.
Winter weather has a way of sneaking in through cracks and openings, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. In some cases, even structural issues like leaks. Make it your priority to prepare your home to avoid costly problems. Here are some useful tips to take care of your home in the wintertime.
In this blog post we’ll show you how to winter proof your home so it’s ready for the worst (or best) of what Mother Nature could have in store.
Everything mentioned below, should be done ideally before winter commences. Being proactive will help you get through the winter with minimum fuss.
You Better Watch Your Windows
This winter, make sure your windows are properly sealed with weather stripping to keep out cold air. A window’s seal can wear down over the years and allow air to come in, which makes it tough for you to keep warm. To replace worn down seals or create a new seal altogether, use an acrylic caulk as well as Door Caulk. This will be effective at keeping the cold out while ensuring that the heated air doesn’t escape. Keep an eye on your double glazing. If it fails, it will look unsightly.
Don’t Neglect Your Gutters
You want to make sure the gutters on your home are clear of debris. It gets especially bad after all the leaves fall from the trees. Make sure that you wait until most of the leaves have fallen off. If you don’t clear your gutters, then you’ll likely end up with standing water. When it freezes it causes expansion. This is why it is vital to winter proof your home.
This has the potential to cause a lot of damage to everything from the lawn right down to the foundation of the house. Don’t let this minor inexpensive job slip through the cracks or you’ll be dealing with even bigger cracks. Expensive repairs, will make you regret that you didn’t winter proof your home sooner.
Give Your Trees Some Love
Any branches which are too close to the power lines need to be trimmed. If there is a dead branch, that has to go. The last thing you want are trees falling off power lines in the winter and leaving you without electricity.
Winter Proof Your Paths
Winter is fast approaching and there’s no better time to make sure your garden paths are winter proof! With a little bit of work, you can keep your walkways clean and safe for the entire season.
If you have gravel or loose stones on the ground:
-Loose stones should be covered with sand so they don’t blow away in high winds.
-Gravel should be raked into rows that run perpendicular to the path, then covered with straw, leaves, grass clippings or hay.
-Larger rocks can also be used as stepping stones; these should be placed at least three feet apart from each other to prevent slipping.
Written by Pascal D’Sanchez
FTC Disclosure: Some of my posts contain affiliate links, which mean I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.
