If you’re looking into preparing your home for a cosy winter, then you need to start with winterising your home first. Why? Well, a lot of damage to homes, whether it be interior or exterior, will all begin in the winter months. Those freezing temperatures, the moisture, and the heavy snow (or ice) can create a negative impact. So, here are some tips for winterising your home for years to come!
Insulating your attic
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Attic insulation is an important part of keeping your house warm and dry. It also helps to reduce your energy costs in the winter and summer. When your attic is properly insulated, it stops heat from entering and keeps moisture from leaking out. This prevents mould and mildew from developing, keeps your house cooler in the summer, and can extend the life of your roof. While a polycarb sheet can help protect your roof, you’ll still need to protect that attic of yours as well.
Checking your homeowner’s policy
One of the best ways to keep your family safe (and home) is to make sure you have a solid home insurance policy. If you don’t, you could be looking at some nasty surprises down the road. A good plan should cover your bases with at least 80% of the home’s value. Also, a solid home insurance policy comes with a big deductible if the worst happens.
Consider a bundled home insurance plan that includes a discount on your premiums. Be sure to do your homework, and shop around for the best price! How can this help your house in the winter months? If anything happens, then financially speaking, you will be covered thanks to your insurance.
Having fireplaces and chimneys checked out
This is so important for protecting your house from cold weather. Even if you don’t use your fireplace during the winter, it’s still a good idea to inspect it at least once a year. Keeping the structure in good shape will protect your home from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fireplaces are a popular source of heat for many homes.
They help drive away the chill in the air. However, they also are a fire hazard. So keep an eye on this and make sure you get your chimney swept too. Why? Chimneys can be clogged with leaves, sticks, and animal nests. This can cause the flue to block and may spark a fire. Also, it is a good idea to check that your damper is working properly.
Insulating pipes
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If you want to protect your house from freezing temperatures, you should consider insulating pipes. This will prevent them from freezing and bursting and will also help you save money on plumbing. Usually, you can use foam to get these insulated.
Prevent potential wildlife damage
Winter can be a difficult time for wildlife. This is especially true for animals that are looking for a warm place to spend the winter. Check all holes in your house to make sure they aren’t allowing wild creatures to get inside. You can use steel wool, caulk, or spray foam to seal them up. Taking preventative measures before the snow begins to fall will help protect your home from animal intrusions. Sealing up cracks, pipes, and windows will also keep animals out.
