When the temperature drops, homes start needing maintenance to keep them in optimum condition throughout the winter season. From the furnace to the gutters, winterizing helps protect your investment and maintain you and your family's comfort.
Readers note: these winterizing tips apply to both older homes and new build houses too. If you ignore winterizing because the house is new, the work will just build up and potentially become expensive.
Here are ten steps to help guide you in the process of winterizing your house, and by following these steps you can help avoid expensive repairs in the future.
1. Change furnace filters
It’s easy to forget, but it’s important to replace and/or clean your furnace filters on a regular basis. Dirty furnace filters get dirty, they restrict airflow and increase energy demand. If you don't like the added responsibility you can consider switching to a permanent filter which actually reduce waste and save time.
About filters: Disposable filters only trap approximately 10 to 40 percent of debris. Electrostatic filters trap around 88% and are better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen that cause illness and irritation.
2. Clean your eavestroughs
Clogged eavestroughs can lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams happen when water backs up and freezes near the edge of the roof. The ice continues to build up until it eventually forms damns that block the path of melted snow from your roof.
Water starts to pool into small reservoirs and begins to seep into your house, which causes flooding and water damage. To prevent ice dams, clean out the dead leaves and other debris from your gutters so the water can drain freely.
When you’re inside, also be sure to look at your ceiling to see if there are any leaks. Any water stains or wetness are bad signs. If you see any of these, it’s time to contact your roofer.
3. Inspect roof
Every few years it's a good idea to schedule a roof inspection to ensure your home is ready for winter and in optimal condition. Summer heat may have caused cracking or expansion around flashings, which can cause leaks. Hail and strong winds can also damage tiles and shingles. Think about replacing worn roof shingles or tiles.
When inspecting your roof, it’s not uncommon to see some of the shingle granules in the eavestroughs. Don’t worry. The way shingles are made, an excess of granules are used to ensure complete coverage, and some of the excess granules occasionally fall off after installation.
Look at the shingles yourself and as long as you find that the shingles are still covered with granules, they’re fine. If you're really worried about the condition of your roof, read this for help on determining if it needs to be replaced.
4. Check your downspouts
Melting snow will only drain properly from your roof only if your downspouts are free of debris. This will also prevent mold from growing inside the pipe, which can lead to rusting.
5. Check your attic insulation
Proper ventilation and insulation in your attic can prevent heat loss and the formation of icicles. Check your flashing for any signs of damage. Take a look at previously repaired parts of your roof. Make sure you have an evenly distributed amount of insulation. Ensure it’s not blocking any roof vents, especially near the edges of the attic, where the soffits are.
Adequate insulation will keep the warm air in your home where it’s needed, and not drifting up under your shingles where it can be a factor in the formation of ice dams. Call a professional to fix any loose, missing and blistered shingles or other problems.
6. Trim overhanging tree branches
Tree limbs overhanging on your roof can bend and fall when snow weighs down on them. Even healthy tree limbs can come crashing down on your roof in high winds. Late fall through to early winter is the best time to take a good look at the branches close to your home, and get them removed if they're coming a bit too close.
7. Insulate your pipes
You don't want your pipes bursting - oh no you don't! When water pipes freeze and burst, they can cause water damage and can get everywhere in your home.
Avoid flooding and a messy situations by insulating your water pipes with materials such as pipe insulation and heating tape. If your pipes freeze, empty your water heater and let the ice water drain out. Better yet, call a professional plumber.
8. Seal air drafts
You can save money on your energy bills and also make your home warmer during the winter by preventing cold air from leaking into your home. Reduce air drafts by installing or replacing the sweep at the base of your door and apply caulking or weatherstripping around any windows that are giving off drafts. There's lots of information on the web about how to sealing up air drafts that will help you do it right and successfully.
9. Chimney cleaning
It is very important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once every few years, especially if your use your fireplace all winter. Regular cleanings and inspections will ensure that everything functions as needed, and it will also prevent fires.
10. Check for animals
Last but not least, you should make sure that your home isn’t harbouring wild animals like raccoons, squirrels, and birds. Check spaces that could be hollowed out, like under eavestroughs or around your soffits.
Wild animals can do extensive damage to a home and their presence should not be overlooked.
Make winterizing a habit
Of course it's not necessary that you take care of these jobs every single year, but you should definitely set up some type of schedule ensuring the work is done regularly. The idea is to be able to live peacefully, comfortably, safely, and be able to get top dollar for your home in case you decide to sell it.