Snow, sleet, ice, high winds, and dangerously low temperatures can take a toll on your home exterior throughout the winter. And surging utilities costs may arrive if its protective components aren’t functioning properly.
Successfully navigate the change of seasons with this handy checklist of items to address before winter hits.
Inspect Your Home before Chilly Winter Arrives
Although some people enjoy preparing their home for winter themselves, in order for a portion of these items to be accurately inspected, you can’t beat the eye of a certified professional. Ensure your home will give you optimal energy efficiency and none of its components will compromise your safety this winter by reaching out to a certified contractor.
1. Windows
Old, single-paned, improperly sealed windows can allow drafts to enter your home throughout the winter. Make sure there are no gaps around their perimeter where warm air can leak out of your dwelling.
If caulking has deteriorated, reapply a new coat to achieve a tighter seal around your windows. Add weather stripping as needed for greater indoor comfort. Contact a certified window professional for a complete inspection. Repair or replace them as needed. Keep in mind that double-paned, ENERGY STAR rated windows will give you added protection from extreme temperatures.
2. Doors
If your doors are damaged, old, or were improperly installed, your utilities will be impacted throughout the winter. You can bolster your home’s energy efficiency with premium replacement doors to safeguard it from the cold. A certified professional can inspect your doors to identify any need for repair or replacement.
3. Gutters and Downspouts
Clean your gutters and downspouts before winter arrives to ensure they don’t get clogged up from debris, hindering their purpose. Reattach any loose gutters, and install gutter guards if you want to skip the need for cleaning your gutters next year.
4. Heating System
Winter temperatures can drop suddenly, so before the frigid cold arrives, turn your heater on to make sure it will work when you need it. Replace your filter to ensure unhindered airflow. Contact a heating professional to inspect your furnace’s effectiveness.
5. Roofing
Reach out to a roofing professional to inspect your shingles and address any broken, missing, or faulty shingles before winter strikes. Verify your roof’s integrity in case it needs to bear the unusually heavy weight of snow accumulation.
6. Chimney
Your chimney and wood stove should be cleaned before winter to confirm your safety.
7. Decking
Give your backyard deck a fresh coat of sealer to safeguard it from wintery weather and damaging moisture penetration.
8. Winterize
Lengthy exposure to frigid temperatures can be serious, so bolstering your dwelling’s protective layer is of vital importance for your safety. These are simple preparations that prevent damage when winter arrives.
- Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
- Insulate pipes to keep them from freezing.
- Cut back trees that could fall on your home during a severe storm.
- Purchase a snow shovel, sand, and rock salt.
- Ensure your home has ample insulation in your walls, attic, and basement.
- Test your fireplace’s flue for a tight seal when it’s closed.
- Install storm windows to give your home an extra layer of protection.
9. Safety Measures
If winter storms disrupt heat and power to your home, you need to be ready:
- Keep a fire extinguisher on hand, and make sure your family members know how to use it.
- Learn how to turn off your water valve so you can do so if your pipes burst.
- Restock your home’s emergency kit in case your power goes out.
- Keep a seven-day supply of non-perishable food items on hand.
- Store one gallon of water for each person in your family per day.
- Keep a good supply of firewood on hand.
- Don’t use a charcoal grill or camping stove indoors.
- Have adequate supplies of any medications needed for family members.
- Stock up on warm blankets and clothing in case your power goes out.
- Keep a blanket, a warm coat and extra gloves, hats and scarves in your car in case you get stuck on the road.
- Bring pets indoors when temperatures drop.
Avoid Skyrocketing Utility Bills this Winter
Well-sealed windows and doors keep the warm air indoors and the cold air outdoors where it belongs when frigid temperatures invade North Carolina. You can maximize your home’s energy efficiency and minimize the cost of keeping it warm this winter with premium window and door products installed by a reliable team (like us).
Get an Accurate Assessment of Your Windows and Doors
An inspection of your current windows and doors will help you know what your home needs to be fortified to face winter weather, and they should be assessed by a certified contractor like Kelly Window and Door to determine if they need to be replaced or not.
Our thorough assessment will give you a clear picture of your home’s condition and help identify any challenges that need to be tackled before winter. And there’s no need to worry about safety—we follow all CDC guidelines for businesses during all in-person interactions.
Windows, doors, and the people who install them should be reliable. For 27 years, Kelly Window and Door has provided homeowners with over 4,000 successful installations using premium products. And our outstanding warranties will give you confidence.
Should your home need new windows or doors, we listen to your desires, create eye-catching design options, and develop an efficient plan to achieve cost-effective and timely solutions.
Gain the indoor comfort you desire this winter by fortifying your home exterior before frosty weather comes. Schedule a free consultation with our friendly team.