Provided By Sherri Crayne
Winter’s Just Around the Corner. Are You Ready?
We’ve past the point of no return. The Autumnal Equinox occurred last week, and we’re now headed into the shorter, colder days of fall and eventually winter. Whether you live in a cold northern climate or a moderate southern climate, there are a number of steps you need to take to make sure your house and yard are ready for the impending winter season. By following the advice below, you can make sure your home is ready... inside and out!
What should you do outside your home?
If you live in an area with high moisture, you'll want to apply an additional coat of sealant to wooden decks. Chances are the summer sun has caused deterioration to the deck's protective layer, and re-sealing it will ensure that the wood won't absorb an excessive amount of water. If your area experiences extremely low temperatures, sealing any cracks in your driveway or sidewalk is also a good idea. If you have outdoor furniture or a barbecue, you'll want to cover them up or store them in the garage.
In terms of the shrubbery around the outside of your home, two precautionary steps will greatly improve the way it will look once winter has lifted. First, prune away any weeds or dead foliage from the base of each shrub. Next, add a layer of mulch to the surrounding ground, especially to any perennial flower beds.
Once you've tended to the greenery, you may want to winterize your power equipment. Fall is the perfect time for draining gas from lawn mowers and oiling any power tools. You'll also want to drain garden hoses, roll them up, and store them in the garage. If you want to take extra precautions, drain your outdoor faucets and cut off the water. This will keep pipes from freezing and eventually bursting. If you live in an area where it snows, do yourself a favor and make sure your snow removal equipment is in proper working order.
In terms of a home's exterior, the key word to keep in mind is "leaks." Leaks not only allow cold air to enter your home but water as well. Start by inspecting the home's foundation and exterior walls. Minor cracks can usually be sealed by using a caulk that's appropriate for the temperature of your region. Special attention should be paid to the wall area around windows and outdoor faucets. Also, if you have storm windows, now is the time to install them.
The Great Indoors
It's time to make our way inside the home, and take another look at the topic of leaks. Preventing air leaks will not only ensure a cozier home, it will also help you save on your energy bill. Start by weather-stripping all windows and doors. It sounds like a big job, but in most homes this can be accomplished in one day. Also, look for leaks around wall outlets. Once again, the appropriate caulk will do the trick when it comes to creating a proper seal. Don't forget to check the attic or cellar for leaks as well.
Regardless of the type of heating system you have, it's a good idea to have it checked and maintained by a professional. Clean ducts and filter replacements can go a long way when it comes to improving efficiency. Also, be sure to clean and vacuum any heating vents, and keep the flue or damper closed when your fireplace is not in use.
As far as plumbing is concerned, every homeowner should periodically check their hot water heater for leaks, no matter where they live. This is the last thing you'll want to repair during the cold months. You may also want to consider purchasing a hot water heater blanket. It's a $15 investment that will increase the heater's efficiency. If you live in an area known for very cold weather, you may have a problem with pipes freezing. This can be alleviated by wrapping the pipes that are most prone to freezing with heat tape, which can be purchased at any hardware store.
Lastly, if you've experienced serious weather issues in past years, you may want to prepare a comprehensive emergency kit for your home. It never hurts to be prepared.
Good luck on your projects... and have a happy and safe winter!
Need more tips on how to winterize your home? Give us a call at 972-772-7000 or email us at rockwall@kw.com.
Showing posts with label winterize your home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winterize your home. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, October 19, 2009
It's Fall: Time to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Fall maintenance is important because it helps make homes more energy efficient during the winter months, and will safeguard homes against potential seasonal 'disasters' such as leaking roofs or home fires caused by neglected chimneys. Here are ten tips to a safer, warmer winter.
TIP #1 -- Check the heating system. Check the filter, pilot light and burners in a system fueled by gas or oil. Fireplaces, boilers, water heaters, space heaters and wood burning stoves should also be serviced every year. Have the specialist inspecting your unit show you how to change the filter and then you should change it at least once every 2 months. Clean ducts in the heating system. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants. Ducts should be professionally cleaned about every three years.
TIP #2 -- Have the chimney inspected by a qualified chimney professional. Chimneys should be checked and cleaned, if necessary, on an annual basis. If you are using a wood stove this season, be sure that the stovepipe was installed correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and local codes. If there is any doubt, a building inspector or fire official can determine whether the system is properly installed. If you have a chimney that will not be used, consider having it sealed shut.
TIP #3 -- Test fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and vacuum out the dust. Batteries should be checked every six months to ensure that they're working.
TIP #4 -- Remove excess leaves and damaged branches from trees surrounding the house. Dead branches have the potential to break and fall, ruining roofs, decks, or vehicles and the possibly causing injuries to people.
TIP #5 -- Maintain gutters. Remove all debris that can slow or impede the ability of water to drain effectively from the roof. Trapped water can be destructive not only to the gutters themselves but to the adjoining roof as well. Make sure gutter water drains away from your home.
TIP #6 -- Inspect the roof. Look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing at joints with siding, vents and flues, as well as damaged mortar around the chimney.
TIP #7 -- Inspect exterior walls, doors and windows. Check walls and window sills for damage such as cracks, gaps, loose or crumbling mortar, along with splitting and decaying wood. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors, which helps keep the home weather tight and lower heating bills. Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges. Repair or replace any cracked windows.
TIP #8 -- Maintain steps and handrails. Repair broken steps and secure loose banisters and handrails. Broken steps can cause a dangerous fall. Similarly, a person slipping will grab a handrail for support.
TIP #9 -- Inspect the attic and basement or crawlspace. Insulate voids in the attic - the entire attic floor above a living space should be insulated with at least six inches of insulation, except around electrical fixtures such as recessed lights that aren't rated for contact with insulation. Damp basements and crawl spaces can become mold and mildew problems. Watch for leaks from your water heater, plumbing system and seeping rain water from the roof. Locate and maintain a clear access to your main water shut off valve. If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate it.
TIP #10 -- Shut down sprinkler systems and outside faucets. Homeowners can shut down outside faucets, however weatherizing the underground sprinkler system is best performed by industry professionals who will flush the system before the cold sets in, preventing cracked pipes.
TIP #1 -- Check the heating system. Check the filter, pilot light and burners in a system fueled by gas or oil. Fireplaces, boilers, water heaters, space heaters and wood burning stoves should also be serviced every year. Have the specialist inspecting your unit show you how to change the filter and then you should change it at least once every 2 months. Clean ducts in the heating system. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants. Ducts should be professionally cleaned about every three years.
TIP #2 -- Have the chimney inspected by a qualified chimney professional. Chimneys should be checked and cleaned, if necessary, on an annual basis. If you are using a wood stove this season, be sure that the stovepipe was installed correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and local codes. If there is any doubt, a building inspector or fire official can determine whether the system is properly installed. If you have a chimney that will not be used, consider having it sealed shut.
TIP #3 -- Test fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and vacuum out the dust. Batteries should be checked every six months to ensure that they're working.
TIP #4 -- Remove excess leaves and damaged branches from trees surrounding the house. Dead branches have the potential to break and fall, ruining roofs, decks, or vehicles and the possibly causing injuries to people.
TIP #5 -- Maintain gutters. Remove all debris that can slow or impede the ability of water to drain effectively from the roof. Trapped water can be destructive not only to the gutters themselves but to the adjoining roof as well. Make sure gutter water drains away from your home.
TIP #6 -- Inspect the roof. Look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing at joints with siding, vents and flues, as well as damaged mortar around the chimney.
TIP #7 -- Inspect exterior walls, doors and windows. Check walls and window sills for damage such as cracks, gaps, loose or crumbling mortar, along with splitting and decaying wood. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors, which helps keep the home weather tight and lower heating bills. Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges. Repair or replace any cracked windows.
TIP #8 -- Maintain steps and handrails. Repair broken steps and secure loose banisters and handrails. Broken steps can cause a dangerous fall. Similarly, a person slipping will grab a handrail for support.
TIP #9 -- Inspect the attic and basement or crawlspace. Insulate voids in the attic - the entire attic floor above a living space should be insulated with at least six inches of insulation, except around electrical fixtures such as recessed lights that aren't rated for contact with insulation. Damp basements and crawl spaces can become mold and mildew problems. Watch for leaks from your water heater, plumbing system and seeping rain water from the roof. Locate and maintain a clear access to your main water shut off valve. If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate it.
TIP #10 -- Shut down sprinkler systems and outside faucets. Homeowners can shut down outside faucets, however weatherizing the underground sprinkler system is best performed by industry professionals who will flush the system before the cold sets in, preventing cracked pipes.
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