Winter is a charming season. Imagine waking up to a sparkling, white magic land. The kids will love playing in the snow, skating, and skiing. It’s easily one of the most adventurous seasons! Sadly, winter can be harsh too.
Blizzards, strong winds, and cold temperatures can easily make winter the worst part of the year. And that’s not only for you, your friends, or your family; it can be particularly savage for your house. If you plan to avoid some of the worst-case scenarios and many inconveniences, you have to prepare for winter. Take note of some of the steps you need to prioritize.
Get Your Roof Ready
Are you confident that your roof is ready for winter? Is it prepared for thrashing by blizzards and heavy snowfall? Think again. It’s prudent to check the state of your roof before the cold months settle in. And you don’t want any structural damage accumulating over the year, only to culminate in a magnificent fall during the most challenging time of the year.
When you check your roof, you may probably notice moss and fungal growth. Compared to other things you need to watch out for, these are minor and can be easily removed and cleaned. It’s still important because it affects the quality of the shingles and causes the appearance of your roof to depreciate.
You may also find standing water on your roof, which is dangerous because it will affect the roof’s structural integrity. Water can quickly rot and rust in the sections where it gathers, and it can cause your roof to fall out because of the pressure from the weight of the water it’s carrying. Make sure to empty such portions of the tops and check your gutter system.
Watch out for bald spots, too, because these can quickly cause leakage and damage to your roof. Take note of any wet spots in your attic or ceiling, or maybe even puddles of water. These are critical signs that your roof may be leaking. Not only is it causing structural damage to the room and the rest of the house, but it’s also going to let cold air in and create a miserable winter for you and your family.
When you do notice signs of damage, nothing should stop you from fixing them yourself. If you don’t know-how, you can try to learn, then take a drip to the hardware store. However, the prudent way to deal with roof problems is to choose reliable roof repair services. The best part about hiring professionals is knowing that the quality of work will be excellent and efficient.
At any rate, make sure to monitor the state of your roof regularly. Regular maintenance will save you more money because of the more straightforward repairs you can do. Compare this to having significant problems on unexpected days. It doesn’t hurt to be prudent!
Check Your Windows
You don’t always need to be an expert to know that something is wrong with your windows. You do have to be sensible and check their state throughout the seasons. Windows are essential to keep the cold out during winter, and then by the time the cold seasons settle in, they will have withstood a lot of pressure and strain from the summer storms.
Make sure you monitor your windows for any stress or pressure cracks. Check the edges of the window frames and the glass. You also want to watch out for any dents. Windows get damaged over time due to varying changes in the weather.
Strong winds, water, and other external forces take a toll on the integrity of your windows. Even a simple game of catch can require you to replace one immediately. The easiest way to maintain your windows is to clean them at least once a month. After all, prevention is more prudent than cure.
Repair Any Water Leaks
Plumbing winterization begins by checking out any existing leaks in your pipe system. While you can easily do this by yourself, it’s still recommendable to call a professional. They can fix the leaks right away. It’s imperative to watch out for these little critters because even the smallest one can cause your plumbing system to shut down when the temperature goes low enough.
The spots weakened by the leaks can easily burst when water expands with the decreasing temperature. Not only are they a pain to deal with, but they can be costly to repair and replace. So if you take the time to inspect your pipelines for any leaks, you get peace of mind, and you’re saving yourself a lot of time and money.
You want to prevent mold and mildew growth due to the presence of standing water or too much moisture. There’s a host of other problems you will deal with if you don’t repair any water leaks, and they’re only going to get worse in the winter.
Winter is indeed both beautiful and dangerous. That is why you need to do ample preparation to be ready. So make sure your roof is up to the task, check your windows, and repair any water leaks.
