Here in the Midwest, there are several things to do around the house when the seasons change from fall to winter. Whether you own an older home, a custom-built home, or a newly remodeled home, you’ll want to keep your house in good working condition. Staying on top of household projects can give you the opportunity to address small problems before they evolve into larger, more expensive issues in the future. To help you get started, we’ve put together a short checklist you can use to prepare your home for winter.
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Unfortunately, winter is the most common time of year for house fires. Check the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to make sure they are working properly. Adding new batteries at daylight savings time in the fall and spring can help keep you accountable for testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke alarms have a lifespan of 8-10 years while carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced after 5-7 years.
Install storm windows and doors.
When the weather allows, we love opening our windows to bring fresh air into the house. Before the temperatures dip for good, close your window screens tightly. Install storm windows and storm doors to protect your house from inclement weather. Also, energy efficient storm windows and doors help keep the cold out and keep your heat in, potentially saving you money on winter utility bills.
Drain outside faucets and hoses.
Before winter hits, close the shut-off valve inside your house that’s responsible for bringing water outside. Then, disconnect and drain your garden hoses before storing them for winter. Lastly, drain the water from your outdoor faucets. Your outside faucet is exposed to harsh temperatures and remaining water could freeze and cause major leaks or flooding.
Remove debris from your roof.
Check to see if there are leaves, branches, or other debris littering your roof. Branches laying on your roof blocks water from evaporating, which creates a moist environment that can lead to mold, roof leaks, or roof decay. All debris should be removed to help prevent water damage. If you notice that your roof has damaged or missing shingles, call a professional roofing company like Wobig Construction. Our team of skilled roofing professionals are qualified to assess whether your roof needs repairs.
Taking the time to prepare your home for winter will help keep your family safe and warm this season. Your home is your largest investment, it’s important to make improvements – big or small – to maintain or increase your home’s value. If you have any questions about home improvement projects such as roof repairs, roof replacements, or remodeling services, contact our specially trained team members at Wobig Construction.
