After taking the necessary steps to get your roof ready for winter, it’s time to focus on the rest of your house. Temperatures are continuing to drop and it’s important to prepare your home before the weather gets worse. Here are a few things you should do to make sure your home is ready to handle the cold.
Check Your Heating System
Even if you’ve already been using your heating system, get an inspection to make sure things are running well. This will give you the best efficiency, which in turn will lower your energy bills and ensure that your home is safe from heating-related carbon-monoxide leaks.
Inspect Your Roof
While we discussed this in our previous blog, it’s worth noting again. Your roof takes a lot of stress during the winter months and can be a cause of some expensive problems. Get a thorough roof inspection and make sure to repair any damages that you find. You should also ensure that your attic ventilation is working well to reduce the chances of ice dams from developing on your roof.
Check for Drafts
Go around to all of your windows and doors and check for any drafts. If you feel cold air coming in, you likely need to reapply the caulk. Doing so will help keep your home warm without causing an extreme surge in your energy costs. Opt for silicone caulk if you’re applying it to the outside of your home for the best results.
Drain Exterior Water Systems
Turn off any faucets you have that lead outside or are currently situated outdoors. When you let water run outside during the winter, you run the risk of dealing with burst pipes. Disconnect your hoses, turn off your water, and drain anything that’s left. The same steps should be taken to shut off your lawn’s sprinklers. If you’ve never done this before, call a professional to help, as it is a little more complicated.
Clean Your Chimney
Finally, make sure your chimney has been professionally inspected and cleaned before using it for the season. Creosote build-up is dangerous and very flammable. If you haven’t gotten your chimney cleaned in a while, do so now before you continue using it for the winter.
If you need some extra help preparing your home for winter, the professional contractors from Elysian Construction are here. By conducting a thorough professional inspection, you’ll be able to rest easy this winter. Our professionals are trained to catch and repair any problems that may come up. Elysian Construction is here to help you with all of your repairs and regular winter maintenance before the winter weather gets any worse.
