Another Minnesota winter is here, and if you’re anything like us, you have plans to stay warm and cozy. But before you can curl up by the fire, it’s time to get some winter weatherproofing tasks out of the way. Taking the time to winterize your home ensures it stays protected from the cold, wind, snow, and ice all winter long. Not sure where to direct your attention? No problem! We suggest starting with the five tips below!
Inspect Your Chimney & Fireplace
Before you light your first fire of the season, have a professional chimney sweep company clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney. In addition to removing a buildup of ash and soot that reduces airflow, they’ll look for damage like missing or crumbling bricks, loose flashing, and gaps between the chimney and your home.
Trim Tree Branches
When that cold winter wind ramps up, the last thing you want is to have nearby tree limbs crash into your roof or the side of your home. Overhanging branches also have the potential to cause excess water to seep into your home through cracks in the roof or siding. Make sure to give any tree branches or limbs surrounding your home a good trim, so they’re at least three feet away from the house.
Clear Out Gutters & Downspouts
Gutters are another cold weather problem area. When clogged or even set at an incorrect angle, gutters can be one thawing snowfall away from sabotaging your basement. And let’s not forget about ice dams, which have the potential to damage your roof, siding, and interior ceilings and walls. While gutter maintenance is essential, it should never be done at the expense of your safety. Be careful and call in the professionals when you need to!
Eliminate Drafts
Windows and doors are your home’s gateway to the outside world. A leaky frame could cause frustrating drafts and slowly drive up your heating costs over time! Make sure your home’s windows and doors are ready for the deep freeze. Inspect window and door frames and seal cracks and gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.
Inspect the Attic
Attics are often forgotten spaces, which is why it’s common for issues like water leaks, seeping insulation, or even potential critter invasions to go unnoticed for quite some time. Taking a trip to the attic can help limit surprises and prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems. One thing is for sure, attic-related debacles are anything but fun! Be on the lookout for wet spots and any light seeping in from outside. If you notice either, then you will probably need to do some insulation repair.
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