Five Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Coming Freezing Temperatures

Those of us at Ferris Home Improvements in Delaware realize that the Indian summer is just getting started and that winter is way off your radar. However, early fall is the perfect time to prepare your home’s exterior for the encroaching winter weather.

The sunny days of autumn make the impending snow and cold weather that winter brings our way far off. With that in mind, many longtime homeowners have learned the benefit of preparing for cold temperatures and freezing precipitation well before it arrives.

house covered with ice

Here Are 5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter:

1) Clean Out the Gutters

Clogged gutters and drains can form ice dams that prevent from proper drainage causing all types of hazards, such as dangerously dangling icicles. Icicles are not only dangerous to people below, their excess weight could cause major damage to gutters and roof.

This can lead to water seeping into your home, which then leads to all sorts of issues and extra energy costs. Avoid the hassle of repairing a leak by keeping your gutters and drains free of debris. Observe how water runs through the gutters to check for misalignments that could also cause water damage.

2) Roof Inspection

Has the summer’s violent storms caused damage not visible to onlookers below? Often a simple repair can help to avoid more costly roof repairs if a missing or compromised shingle has been ignored for too long.

Either hire someone to inspect the roof or inspect it yourself. Check for missing or damaged shingles, and have them replaced. Examine the flashing around chimneys and other roof projections and repair if necessary. Look for any possible source of leaks.

3) Improve Roof Ventilation

A poorly ventilated attic can cause real problems with IAQ (indoor air quality) by allowing for a buildup of mold or mildew. They also could make for some real dangerous ice buildup on cold winter days.

Any home that has icicles forming on its roof edge is a possible sign of inadequate roof ventilation. Icicles encourage ice dams, which are very damaging to your home. Homes with poor roof eave ventilation could overtax your heating system, causing higher energy bills.

4) Keep Your Home Draft-Free

Often homeowners ignore a simple crack that could be costing them big time. It is very important for your energy savings to ensure there are no air leaks in your home. Warm air will escape out of any cracks causing your heating system to work overtime. Not only does this raise your energy bills, it causes drafts and inconsistent indoor temperatures.

Use caulk to seal any cracks or openings between stationary house components such as windows, doorframes or weather-stripping.

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5) Winter Lighting

As fall approaches the days shorten and many homeowners find themselves returning from work in the dark. That is why it is important to light the way to your home in order to avoid slips and falls.

In winter, what we can’t see can hurt us! Black ice can take down even the most sure-footed among us. A lighted pathway can help to identify hazards that are invisible in the dark. Using festive led lights, solar walkway lights or installing motion sensor lighting can help to avoid a nasty fall.

Be ready for the colder weather when it arrives and use these tips to keep your family stay safe,warm and cozy all winter long.