“Winter is not a season, it’s an occupation.” ~ Author Sinclair Lewis
From the bitter winds of fall to the chilly rains of November to the snow storms and blizzards of December and January to the brutal arctic freeze of February, winter’s wrath can do a number on homes. And no homes feels winter’s bitterly cold brutality like unprepared homes, who also have to deal with the headaches of higher energy prices, busted pipes, potential pest intruders and failing furnaces.
And folks we really hate to deliver this lousy Public Service Announcement but another winter is right around the corner.
Properly winter proofing your home starts with knowing what areas are most vulnerable and what areas Old Man Weather is most likely to attack.
The Roof
No part of your home takes more of a beating from winter. The wear, tear and cold snare winters puts on your roof can impact and harm your house’s structural integrity. If you’ve just installed a new roof, you’re good to go. But any roofs five years or older are due for a comprehensive check of tiles and shingles.
The good news is home owners can take care of most minor repairs. If you’re not afraid of heights and your home is a single story, inspect your roof for broken or cracked tiles. If you have a two story house or higher, the best move is to call a roofing professional to touch things up.
Before moving on from the roof, be sure to inspect all gutters and remove the fall’s accumulation of dirt, debris and leaves. A shovel, broom or hose can complete the job quickly.
Furnace
The last thing you need in the middle of January is your home’s primary heating source to give out. Be sure to thoroughly inspect your furnace, including shut-off switches, breakers and filters, for problems that could affect its performance during winter’s coldest days.
Also ensure your home’s thermostat is working properly and replace aging thermostats with newer programmable models.
If in doubt on whether your furnace can weather another winter, have a professional inspect it.
Fireplaces and Chimneys
These major heating stations can be compromised by obstructions like bird nests and leaves. Inspect your home’s fireplaces and chimney in the fall to prevent issues in the dead of winter. Secure your chimney’s opening with a screen and chimney cap and clean the chimney to remove any creosote buildup. For your fireplace, scrap ashes and creosote out when finished. Be sure to a run a test of both fireplaces and wood stoves to ensure they are operating properly.
Ducts and Vents
Shine a flashlight into your home’s ducts for evidence of mold, pests or accumulations of dirt and debris. Also clean all moldy or excessively dirty ducts and vents to make sure your home is circulating warm air properly and to all rooms. According to Energy Star, the average house loses 20 percent of air flowing through ducts due to holes, leaks and loose connections. That number grows even higher through uninsulated ducts.
Entranceways
At least, wind’s an honest intruder.
For wind, there’s no better way to blow into your home than right through doors and windows. And the wind doesn’t knock or ring the door bell prior to announcing its arrival for the winter. Can your windows withstand the power of winter?
The golden rule for installing strong storm windows for winter is that the glass should be able to repel a 9-pound, 2-by-4 that’s driving at a speed of 34 mph. In areas of the country where hurricanes are highly active in the fall, the minimum pressure rating of your windows should be at least 50 pounds per square inch.
Insulation Insurance
Newer homes usually have insulation levels suitable for your climate. Older homes can be anybody’s guess.
The best, most reliable way to ensure your insulation is up to date is to have an energy audit performed on your home. Some utility companies offer complimentary energy audits or you can hire a professional. For do-it-yourselfers, checking the insulation level in the attic is the best way to verify your home’s level of insulation. Adding insulation can be expensive but can save you a ton of money in energy costs in the long run.
Trees
Your yard’s prized oak or maple tree can easily be transformed into a weapon of destruction by volatile weather. If a large branch needs removing (a yes if it’s dead and hanging over your house), take it down. Any other branches that could easily detach from trees and become a potential projectile in strong winds should also be sawed off and properly disposed of.
Door Flashing
It’s one of the last things we think to look at when inspecting a door. But if flashing is aging, torn, weathered and coming off, it needs to be replaced. Strong door flashing can have a major impact on keeping cold air out of your home.
Secure All Unanchored Structures
Autumn’s heavy winds can turn unsecured outdoor structures into wild flying objects like Dorothy’s house from “The Wizard Of Oz” and carry them anywhere and into anything, including cars and windows. Be sure all outdoor objects like chairs, rakes, shovels and flower pitchers are stored securely either in your garage or shed.
Don’t Take Any Leaks
A simple small leak can turn into a small river when heavy rain arrives. Fix all leaks before they become wash-outs and cause costly damage.
Have A Home Evacuation Plan
A major weather system like a winter blizzard could force you to leave your home for stronger shelter. Be sure to have a winter evacuation/survival kit ready to go including a small suitcase full of clothes, plus family keepsakes you don’t want to lose. Also have a portable weather radio with fresh batteries ready to go.
Be sure your winter evacuation/survival kit also includes flashlights, candles, matches, two to three blankets, bottled water, a can opener and a week’s worth of non-perishable food.
Remember, the trick to beating winter’s wrath is beating it to the punch. Be sure to winterize your home and yard’s most vulnerable locations before winter does the job itself.
Trust us, you’ll like your home winterization work a lot better than winter’s.
