04 Apr How to Prepare Your House for the Winter
Winter is a lovely season with colder temperatures, but it can also be harsh, bringing with it the possibility of home damage due to the cold weather and winter storms. The costs of winter weather-related property damage can be alarming, regardless of whether there is a problem with ice, freezing temperatures or something else entirely. So, if you want to safeguard your house and family from potential winter weather damage and the subsequent repairs, winter weather preparation is crucial.
Check your home’s exterior
Start by visually inspecting the exterior of your house. Do a few rounds of your house and garden to identify any potential issue spots that need to be fixed before the winter months. Pay close attention to areas like the roof, gutter, patios, decks, driveways and pathways, door and window frames and other hard external surfaces – such as the home’s foundation and outside walls.
Deck care
Dirt and braai stains can degrade the appearance of your deck and eventually cause it to rot. Wood can turn grey when exposed to sunlight and moisture can produce ideal circumstances for the growth of mold, mildew, moss and algae. All of these factors make it critical to carefully clean your deck to remove the remnants of summer and prepare for winter. To protect your wood deck from the destructive impacts of winter, use a water-repellent finish after sweeping and cleaning. Ice, snow and rain can all penetrate an exposed surface, causing splitting, cracking and warping.
Check gutters and downpipes
Your gutters should be cleaned or replaced as winter approaches, as you can end up with a flooded inside and damaged exterior if they’re clogged. Leaks can be detected using a running hose. Water from the exterior of your home must be diverted through your roof’s drainage system, thus it is crucial that this system is in good working order.
Roof inspection
Nobody wants a leaky roof, but few people aren’t aware that frequent inspections can help prevent leaks from occurring. Get your roof inspected in the spring so that you can see issues and fix your roof before it starts to rain. Tile sealants may deteriorate in colder climates. Depending on the issue that caused your old roof to leak, you might want to select a new tile type that is more suited to your region’s climate.
Ceiling insulation
Adequate insulation, when installed properly, is a straightforward procedure and is still one of the most cost-effective solutions to minimize energy consumption, manage rising electricity bills and offer a comfortable living environment all year round.
Taking the time to prepare your home for winter could help you limit the amount of damage caused by winter storms or possibly avoid damage entirely. You may feel more prepared to face the winter months after winterizing your home with these tips.
It is important to choose the correct materials that are specific to your DIY winter preparation projects. At Online Building, we offer the solutions to meet all of your DIY construction needs. While we do stock everything you’ll need to make your project a success, it’s crucial to keep in mind that we do not cut or fit to your requirements.
Contact us today, to get your home winter-ready!