Our WNC weather can be fickle in the months of October and November — we often find ourselves wearing a coat one day and shorts the next! But sooner or later, freezing temperatures will arrive, so now is the time to prep your home for winter. By following these five tips now, you’ll save yourself the headache of higher energy bills and costly repairs down the road:
1. Caulk your doors and windows. Caulking around the joints and seams of your doors and windows prevents moisture from seeping in and heat from seeping out. You’ll save your home from rot and mold, and save on energy bills.
2. Check all weather stripping around doors and windows, and replace or repair any damaged stripping. Weather stripping helps insulate your home, and you should see lower heating bills as a result.
3. Be sure any wood on your home’s exterior is sealed. Check wooden trim, which can rot quickly due to moisture. If you have wood that’s not painted, and you don’t have time to do it before winter, you can paint it with a primer, a clear sealant, or a stain. This will protect it until you can paint it in the spring. Remember to sand any flaking or peeling paint before applying sealer.
4. Clean and seal your deck. To see if your deck needs to be sealed, pour some water on it; if it beads up, your deck is protected. If it doesn’t, apply a sealant so the wood won’t be damaged by winter weather. Most stains contain a sealant, so you can protect it and enhance its appearance at the same time! Click here to learn how to stain your deck.
5. Clean patios, driveways, and walkways, then seal them with a concrete or asphalt sealer. Be sure to fill in any cracks before you apply sealant. All of this will prevent water from entering the surfaces and freezing up, which can cause damage.
Five BONUS tips
After you’re done weather proofing the exterior of your home, use this checklist to further protect your property from Old Man Winter:
1. Clean and dry all outdoor furniture, then store it away.
2. Drain hoses and store them; do not leave hoses connected to your home during freezing temperatures.
3. Check gutters and downspouts to be sure they’re clear of debris and leaves; gutter guards are a great solution for keeping gunk out!
4. Schedule an HVAC inspection, and change your filters. A qualified HVAC professional will make sure your furnace and water heater are in good working order and will make sure they’re properly vented so you can avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Have your chimney cleaned by a professional and make sure you've stocked up on firewood.
Remember that any necessary sanding, caulking, puttying, and priming is included with any paint project you contract with Burlett Paint! Let us help you prep your home for winter, so you won’t have to worry about making costly repairs in the spring. Call us for a free estimate today!