Wintertime is the perfect time to cover up in a blanket and stay in bed while binge-watching your favorite films or shows. But you might not be able to fully enjoy this wonderful time if there are home problems that you need to take care of.
Some common home problems during winter include failed heating systems, ineffective insulation, and concrete damage, among others. If not addressed, these problems can result in expensive repairs. They can also potentially affect your mental well-being. For instance, one study found that living in a weather-damaged home affects mental health.
There are only a few weeks left before winter comes. During this time, you need to inspect your home and make the necessary changes to prepare it for winter.
Why Do It Before Winter?
Having your home repaired and renovated before the cold season will help you save money. It’s also much easier to work while it’s not freezing outside. Also, more people want to have their homes done during winter when all the problems start to unravel. This means that construction businesses can potentially be swamped with work during their off-season, so they’ll be more difficult to hire.
Besides, it’s much better to be preventive than reactive. Here are some home improvements and renovations that you need to do to keep yourself and your family cozy during winter
1, Check Your Heating System
You’ll need to inspect your heating system and have it cleaned. This way, you can avoid any heating and ventilation issues that might make your winter uncomfortable.
You need to change your filters regularly to avoid clogging that may damage your heating system. If you haven’t replaced them in the past three months or so, now is the right time to do it.
You’ll also need to drain the water out of your central heating system to remove sludge. Cleaning and unclogging your vents are also necessary to ensure proper airflow in your home. All these tasks may be difficult to do on your own, especially if you’re not familiar with your HVAC system. So it’s best to call experts as soon as possible.
2. Seal and Insulate Your Home
Air leakage can be a problem during winter. This happens when air flows in and out of the house through cracks and other openings. Air leakage can make your heating system work harder, which will translate to a more expensive utility bill. In the long run, air leakage can also cause more serious problems such as damp walls and mold on the walls and the floor.
Thus, before winter comes, you need to inspect your walls, windows, doors, and other openings for cracks and seal them. You can use caulking to seal small cracks in your walls, windows, and doors.
Once you’ve addressed all the cracks you found, you need to insulate your home as well. You can add unfaced insulation to your attic walls and draught-proofing strips to your windows to ensure a tight seal. Sealing and insulating your home will help you save up to 20% on energy costs.
3. Seal the Driveway
You not only have to seal your home but your driveway as well. In freezing temperatures, concrete floors tend to crack. And if your driveway already has cracks before winter, they may increase in size during the season and become much harder and more expensive to fix. The cracks might also cause accidents when you drive or walk on them.
You can prevent this problem by checking on your driveway early on. If the cracks on the ground are quite big, you might consider having your concrete floor repaired and resurfaced.
4. Check Your Roof
Another area of your house that needs to be checked is the roof. It’s one of the most at-risk parts of your home to which you need to pay special attention.
During winter, the cold wind can damage the roof. If snow accumulates on your roof and it’s not sturdy enough, it might collapse. This will be difficult to repair, especially in the middle of the cold weather.
You can prevent roof damage through regular roof maintenance. First, you need to remove any debris from your roof and your gutters. You also need to check for mold and clean it immediately since it can potentially damage your roof and cause an unpleasant smell as well. Lastly, check for broken shingles and replace them.
Don’t wait until winter to fix home problems. The sooner you address them, the more comfortable and carefree you’ll be in winter.
Meta title: Home Repairs and Maintenance You Need to Do Before Winter
Meta desc: Winter is fast approaching. But before you get your chill mood on, you need to make the necessary fixes to prepare your home for the cold weather.
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