Preparing your stylish home for winter can be a time-consuming task, requiring repairs and preps to handle the harsh season ahead.
A well-maintained home not only provides comfort but also ensures safety during colder months, and can save you from uncomfortable repairs and inconvenient living situations.
In this article, we take you through how to prepare and maintain your home for the winter season, and additionally offer practical suggestions to help you stay ahead.
- Outdoor Maintenance
There are various outdoor elements of your house that need inspection before the season. Starting with the roof – inspecting it for missing or damaged shingles, the pipes to allow water flow during snow should be on priority.
Photo by Adrien Olichon
Look out for the floor tiles for any damages and cracks as they can lead to leaks when ice and snow build up. Make necessary replacements with the best of the clé’s luxury terracotta tiles as they are not just long-lasting but also come in different colors and designs to match your outdoor space.
Another area to inspect is the downspouts and gutters because no one wants blocked gutters leading to ice dams, causing serious damage to walls and roofs. Clear debris and remove leaves to let water flow smoothly
Lastly, seal all the gaps and cracks around the doors, walls, and windows. Any opening in these can let in cold air and that means heating expenses. Use foam, caulk, and sealant to fill the gaps, and for extra protection, you can also consider using storm windows. You just need to measure the windows and bring the same size insulating films on your windows.
Prepare Heating System For Keeping Warm
We all swear by our heating system during the winter, so it is of course important to make sure that it is serviced on a regular basis. Schedule an inspection and professional cleaning service to fix any problem in the furnace to improve the air quality and efficiency of the heating system.
Photo by Sindre Fs:
If you live in a house with fireplaces, getting your chimney cleared before the winters to remove the creosote build up would keep you off those fires. Don’t forget to check on the thermostat, and upgrade to a smart one to save electricity bills as they help you with the heating schedule.
Indoor Maintenance: Maximizing Comfort
The most important part of the checklist is to winterize your interiors. Start with the doors and windows – add thermal curtains, or heavy drapes for additional layers of insulation. Have you used draft stoppers under the doors before? If not, invest into a couple of those to block cold air to seep in.
Photo by Craig Adderley
Another important space in your house is your attic. Likewise ensure adequate insulation, as it helps keep heat inside and sustain the warmth in the air. If you use wood flooring, you are pretty sorted but adding warm rugs to easily walk around. Well kept rugs can provide good comfort with cozy living.
Plumbing Precautions: Preventing Frozen Pipes
A common winter issue is frozen pipes. The insulating pipes in your basements, garages and crawl areas can freeze and burst. To prevent them from bursting, cover them with heat tapes, or pipe covers to save yourself from major headaches.
Another tip is to keep your store outside the main house, and shut down the water supply to faucets. Drain your in-house irrigation system completely to avoid any damages.
Outdoor Space Care: Preparing for Ice and Snow
Have you heard of winterproofing the outdoors? If not, it’s equally important to winterproof your outdoors. Place all your patio furniture and gardening tools in the garage or the shed to protect them from the freezing damage. You can also cover them with weather resistant tarps if you do not have a storage area.
Check the garage and drive way for the cracks, as during the cold season they can worsen due to frozen water. Don’t forget to stock up de-icing supplies such as sand and salt to keep the footpath safe.
6. Emergency Preparedness
During the winter months, power outages are common issues, especially during storms, so make sure you are well prepared with an emergency kit. Include batteries, phone chargers, flashlights, bottled water, blankets, and some dry non perishable food. Keep your generator ready to use with the fuel all stocked up.
Also, a smart step to keep your heating system and fireplace safe, is to check smoke detectors.
Suggestions for a Smooth Winter Transition
- Prepare Early: Start your winter preps during the fall season to avoid last minute rush especially during holidays
- Create a Maintenance Schedule: Break tasks into manageable chunks over a few weekends.
- Get Professional Help: For complex systems like your furnace or chimney, hiring a professional ensures safety and thoroughness.
- Invest in Energy Efficiency: Consider long-term upgrades like energy-efficient windows or improved insulation to save on heating costs year after year.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your home is not just about bracing for the cold; it’s about ensuring the safety, comfort, and efficiency of your living space. A small investment of time and effort now can prevent expensive repairs and energy bills later. By following this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be better prepared to face the challenges of winter and enjoy a warm, stress-free season at home.