7 Signs Your Home Needs a Little TLC Before Winter

As each day gets shorter and temperatures start to drop, that is a sign that winter is on its way. Before the cold weather hits, homeowners should do what they can to prepare their home for the winter. While seasonal maintenance may be a task, by taking care of issues as they come up, they’ll keep the home safe, warm, and energy efficient all winter long.

If you are questioning what your home may benefit from before the cold weather moves in, here are seven signs your home is due for some love in the fall.

1. Drafts Around Windows and Doors

As soon as the weather turns cooler, homeowners notice that cold drafts have found their way in through windows and around doors. What may be small gaps are in fact large enough to cause great heat loss, which in turn makes the furnace work harder and increases energy bills.

Check for air leaks in the weather, which can be done by holding a lit candle to window and door frames; if the flame plays out, there is probably a draft. That which can be fixed with weather stripping or caulk is an easy and cheap solution to better comfort and energy efficiency before the cold weather comes in.

2. An Aging or Inefficient Furnace

A proper heating system is essential for making it through cold nights. If the furnace is producing strange sounds, having trouble warming up rooms, or is over 15 years old, it’s time for a checkup. Professional inspection at this point will get the system to run better, will reduce the chance of breakdowns, and will keep the home at a steady temperature.

Regular maintenance like that of changing air filters also improves indoor air quality, which is a very important issue during the months of cold, which see homes kept tight to the cold.

3. Gutters Overflowing With Leaves

Autumn leaves are beautiful, but also they do in fact cause problems for gutters. As leaves and other debris clog up the system when snow and ice melt, they have nowhere to go, which in turn causes water damage, ice dams, and even foundation issues. That’s why gutter cleaning in Yonkers and other northern cities is such an essential task before the first freeze.

By having clean gutters, water is able to flow away from the roof easily, which in turn protects the structure and the home’s exterior. Homeowners who ignore this step often see themselves doing expensive repairs when heavy snow melts in late winter or early spring.

For busy people and those that aren’t into climbing ladders, a pro gutter service is an easy solution and pays in terms of peace of mind. Check out trusted gutter cleaning services here.

4. Cracks in the Driveway or Walkways

Concrete and asphalt, which is what most driveways and walkways are made of, expand and contract with changes in temperature. Also, if there are cracks in the driveway or walkways, water can get in, freeze, and expand, which in turn causes the damage to progress quickly over the winter.

Before the change of seasons, do a check of outdoor surfaces for damage, which, if present, should be remedied. Addressing these small issues at this time helps to prevent accidents, keeps the property looking tidy, and also means homeowners will have to do less extensive repair work come spring.

5. Roof Shingles Showing Wear and Tear

The roof is the first line of defense against snow and ice; thus, it is very important to see to it that it is in great condition before winter. Check for missing, curling, or broken shingles. Also, if granules are seen in the gutters, that is a sign that the roof may be deteriorating.

Before bad weather hits, it is recommended that roof issues be addressed. Also, at the first sign of a problem with the home’s insulation or roof, repairs should be made, which may be very small in scale but which will save thousands in water damage in the long run.

6. Poor Insulation in the Attic

Heat goes up, which is why the attic is a large player when it comes to keeping or losing warmth in the house in the winter. Poor insulation leads to great heat loss also, which causes the furnace to work extra and thus utility bills to go up.

One indicator of the issue is that uneven temperature distribution is noticed in the home; if the upper floors are much cooler, there may be an insulation problem. Also, by adding or replacing insulation, heat is kept in, and at the same time, ice dams are prevented from forming on the roof.

7. Exterior Paint or Siding Deterioration

Peeling paint, damaged clapboard, or bare wood may appear to be surface issues, but they do in fact get worse with the stress of snow, ice, and freezing rain. What may seem a small issue of water intrusion through defective exterior finish can in fact cause rot and mold, which are very costly to repair.

A brief look at the outside will tell which repairs the home may need. Before the cold weather moves in, homeowners should do what is needed to repaint, seal, or repair the siding, which in turn will preserve curbside appeal and protect from winter damage.

Preparing for a Stress-Free Winter

Putting in effort on these seven issues will have any home well prepared for winter. From sealing drafts to scheduling gutter cleaning in Yonkers, each task may seem small. But together they do a great job at protecting the home, extending the life of its systems, and in the end giving more comfort, which is what it is all about.

Instead of waiting for the first snowflake to notice what has been ignored, fall should be used as a time to get ahead. A little bit of work now will save money, prevent damage, and keep the home snug and secure through the rough winter months.

Final Thought

Winter doesn’t have to bring out the stress of repairs and unexpected issues. With a proactive approach and note of the signs above, homeowners may enjoy the season knowing the home is in great care inside and out.