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Advice for Homeowners On For Preparing For the Cooler Seasons
There are a variety of ways to safeguard your home and family against colder weather that doesn’t cost a pretty penny. Whether you are choosing to make structural updates or small tweaks here and there, the proper way to maintain the integrity of your abode is to guard it against environmental wear and tear, while saving you time and money. Here are some end-of-summer ideas to getting your home cold weather-ready.
Staying Warm
If your home is in need of some major updates, you’re not alone. Though a full renovation may not be required, some tweaks easily provide safety and comfort. One way of doing so is to check on all exterior parts of the house, such as gutters, downspouts, siding and other structural areas.
While it isn’t necessary to clean gutters and downspouts too often, doing so prevents damage such as sloping roofs, roof rot and a destabilizing foundation, which can occur when a buildup of water or snow accumulates. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for gutter and downspout cleaning in the city of Charlotte is between $105 - $224. However, prices can still be as low as $75, depending on the surrounding vegetation and the amount of precipitation that you get in your area.
Seal Out the Cold
Regularly checking for air leaks around your home can greatly reduce energy bill costs. According to the Department of Energy, air leakages can lead to poor air quality and elevated moisture levels, which can impact the home’s structure.
Visually test for air leaks by examining the interior walls, ceilings, cabinets, and floors for dirty spots which may be an indicator of leakage. Also, replacing your single pane windows for double-pane is a better a option for cold, windier conditions. Mail slots, piping around your home as well as foundation seals can also allow air to come inside, so it’s a good idea to study those areas as well.
Additionally, performing an air pressure test will create forced air into the home, around trouble spots and is fairly easy to perform. All you’ll need is an incense stick and a damp hand to detect cool drafts.
Protect the Pipes
Piping systems occur all over the home and carry water too and fro. However, water damage and weather conditions can cause pipes to leak or burst. When pipes rupture, this can cause even more trouble for the home in the form of flooding, structural damage, and mold, that can lead to numerous health problems.
To prevent frozen pipes and water damage, locate pipes that are located in spots that tend to freeze and apply insulation to those areas. If a pipe is exposed, then the correct insulation will help guard against frigid conditions. If your pipes are burst, then maintaining a small flow of water will help re-open the lines. When it comes to burst pipes, shut off all the valves take the necessary precautions to protect you from electrical danger.
Protecting your home against wintery conditions can be a time and money-saving way to keep your home safe and sound this year. Always utilize the proper techniques and most importantly, stay safe
