A house sits quietly under a blanket of fresh snow
The frigid New England winter is fast approaching, so it’s important to prepare your home now before temperatures drop further. Fortunately, several simple winter home maintenance tasks can help you avoid major headaches later on.
Before the snow arrives, take time to inspect key areas of your home to ensure they can withstand upcoming storms.
Take a Close Look at Your Windows
Check for gaps between your siding and window frames. Over time, these areas may wear down and require a coat of silicone caulking to seal up drafts. Older windows may need glazing putty to reinforce the seal along the pane. Additionally, a sheet of shrink plastic can add extra protection against the elements.
If you find yourself working overtime to reinforce your windows, it may be time to consider new replacements. Improvements in new window designs provide a stronger barrier against the cold and can lower energy costs considerably.
Don’t Forget Your Door
Inspect all of your exterior doors for spots of daylight shining through. If light can get through your door, so can cold air and that can cost you a lot of money in energy bills.
Apply weather stripping to any doors that don’t pass the light test and inspect for gaps that need sealed with silicone caulking. Inspect your door’s glass panes and address them as you would windows. If your doors are too old to stand up to another winter, call Coastal Windows to discuss Energy Star winning ProVia fiberglass doors to keep out the draft without the hassle.
You can also check this article for some information how to save your trees or shrubs during winter.
Go Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are easy to overlook until they cause a problem. Clogged or ill-fitting gutters can cause water back up, leaks and dangerous ice dams which can be catastrophic for your roof, siding and home—making them an important focal point for winter home maintenance.
Clean dirt and debris from your gutters (consider gutter guards to simplify this task in the future).
Inspect gutter sections for wear and tear. Also, check downspouts and ensure they extend at least 3 feet from your home to prevent basement and foundation water damage.
Inspect Your Roof
Taking a few moments to inspect your roof now is far easier than trying to repair leaks and damage under a foot of snow. Replace loose or missing shingles to keep moisture away. Check for damaged flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys that can lead to leaks. Any weakness in your roof now will be far worse under heavy melting snow so address it head on before the leaks start.
If your home inspection reveals potential problems, it’s not too late to get your home ready for the New England Winter and you can download our Winter Ready Home Guide for a wealth of tips to get your home through winter. Contact Stephanie at svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com to answer your questions and discuss your needs and options for exterior winter home maintenance.
