Keeping The Cold Outside

The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and the leaves are falling. These are all sure signs that winter is right around the corner. But don’t get caught off guard. Now is the time to ensure that your home is ready for the cold and snow. It’s time to winterize.

“Winterization is the process of preparing a home for the harsh conditions of winter. It protects the home against damage due to bursting water pipes and from heat loss due to openings in the building envelope,” according to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Useful Tips:

Insulate and drain your plumbing system

Water damage from a bursting pipe during cold weather can be devastating. A ruptured pipe will release water and not stop until someone shuts off the water. If no one is home to do that, an enormous quantity of water can flood a house and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Even during very small ruptures or ruptures that are stopped quickly, water leakage can result in mold and property damage. Broken water pipes can be costly to repair. That’s why it’s important to insulate all exposed water pipes in cold areas, such as attics, garages, and crawlspaces. Foam or fiberglass insulation can be purchased at most hardware stores. Insulation should cover the entire pipe. Plastic is more tolerant of cold expansion than copper or steel. That’s why houses in colder climates often exclusively use approved plastic plumbing. Remember to shut off and drain any water pipes that go to outdoor faucets. Sprinkler systems are particularly vulnerable to cracking due to cold-weather expansion. Homeowners should be aware that much of the plumbing system travels through areas that are significantly colder than the rest of the house. Because it is impossible to monitor the temperature of every portion of the plumbing system, indoor air temperature should be kept high throughout the winter to keep pipes in any unheated places from freezing.

Look for leaks in the building envelope

Leaky window frames, door frames, and electrical outlets let warm air escape outdoors and cold air infiltrate the house. According to Gromicko, London and Shepard, homeowners can use their hands to feel for drafts or place an incense stick near the area to see if the smoke wavers due to wind. Leaks usually occur in area where seams exist between two or more building materials. Repairs can easily be made with tape or caulk found in any neighborhood hardware store.

Add insulation

Because hot air rises, a disproportionately larger amount of heat is lost in the attic than in other parts of the house. Attic insulation prevents warm indoor air from escaping. Attic insulation should be 12 inches thick in cold climates. Storm doors and windows should also be installed to insulate the house and to protect the home from bad weather.

Inspect and maintain your heating systems

It’s good to have your heating system inspected and maintained before the cold weather hits.

The following are some tips to ensure proper and efficient operation:

Test the furnace by raising the temperature on the thermostat. If it does not respond to the adjustment quickly, it may be broken.
Replace the air filter if it’s dirty.
Use a hose to remove leaves and other debris from the outdoor condenser unit. Protect the unit with a breathable waterproof cover to prevent rust and freezing of its components.
Remove and store window air conditioners when they are no longer needed. Cold air can damage their components and enter the house through openings between the air conditioner and the windowpane.
Ceiling fans can be reversed in order to warm and re-circulate air that is trapped at ceiling level. A fan will spin clockwise if it is reversed.

Inspect and clean chimneys and fireplaces

Chimneys and fireplaces can be fire hazards if they are not properly maintained. Don’t risk it!

Follow these simple tips:

The chimney should be inspected for nesting animals. Squirrels and raccoons have been known to enter chimneys to escape from the cold.
The damper should open and close with ease. Smoke should rise up the chimney when the damper is open. If it doesn’t, that means that there is an obstruction in the chimney that must be cleared before the fireplace can be used.
Have a professional service clean the chimney, especially if it has not been cleaned for several years.
The damper should be closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open damper can allow a significant amount of warm air to escape.
Glass doors can be installed in fireplaces and wood stoves to provide an extra layer of insulation.
Have a professional service clean the chimney, especially if it has not been cleaned for several years.
The damper should be closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open damper can allow a significant amount of warm air to escape.
Glass doors can be installed in fireplaces and wood stoves to provide an extra layer of insulation.

Inspect your roof

Proper roof maintenance protects your warranty and eliminates the chance of damaging leaks and more.

These simple steps will protect your investment:

Clean your gutters.If debris is left in gutters, it can get wet and freeze, permitting the formation of ice dams that prevent water from draining. This added weight has the potential to cause damage to gutters. Also, trapped water in the gutter can enter the house and lead to the growth of mold. For these reasons, leaves, pine needles, and all other debris must be cleared from gutters. This can be done by hand or with a hose.
Replace missing shingles.
Prepare outdoor patios. Outdoor patios are a major investment. Protect your investment by adding an extra coat of sealant prior to the first snowfall. And don’t forget to cover or put away patio furniture.

Unoccupied homes

Whether you’re trying to sell a second home or are going south for the winter, it’s extremely important to weatherize an unoccupied home.

Here are some tips to ensure the home’s integrity during the cold months:

Winterize toilets by emptying them completely. Antifreeze can be poured into toilets and other plumbing fixtures.
Winterize faucets by opening them and leaving them open.
Water tanks and pumps should be drained completely.
Drain all water from indoor and outdoor plumbing.
Unplug all non-essential electrical appliances, especially the refrigerator. If no electrical appliances are needed, electricity can be shut off at the main breaker.

Home winterization is a collection of preventative measures that are designed to protect homes against damage caused by cold temperatures. These measures should be performed in the fall before it gets cold enough for damage to occur. Indoor plumbing is probably the most critical area to consider when preparing a home for winter, although other systems should not be ignored.

Get Your Estimate Today

Contact Service Boss® Today

To learn more about our company and how you can benefit from our various services contact us today.