What’s the No. 1 enemy to the home? Moisture … and there’s plenty of it here in the Pacific Northwest. As we enter our wettest – and coldest – season, it’s time to make sure your home is weather-proofed.
Before temperatures dip to freezing or below, prep your property to curtail the effects of moisture, including ice and snow. The home can be susceptible to water intrusion, making it important to ensure it is weathertight. Here are some tips and tricks to consider:
Tree trimming – No, we’re not talking about adding lights and tinsel to your holiday tree. We’re focusing on trimming trees and bushes from the exterior home to protect it from damage caused by trapped moisture. Home siding is a particularly notorious “sponge” that can lead to expensive repairs or replacement once precipitation is allowed to seep behind panels. In addition, shut off sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets, as well as insulate air conditioning units.
Roof check – Your other exterior, the roof, is only so strong in windy, cold and wet conditions. An inspection – including of the chimney – before the weather turns for the worse can help prevent damage caused by leaks. While you’re at it, clear out gutters and downspouts to avoid water build-up.
Window watch – Inside the home, check for drafty windows. Light a candle or incense stick and slowly position it along the outline of the frame to see if the flame struggles to stay alight or if the smoke travels quicker in some areas. Depending on the results, this could prompt you to add weather stripping or caulking to areas prone to incoming air. In a pinch or on a budget? Add plastic-film insulation specifically designed for window treatments.
Door duty – See above! Like windows, doors can be a pesky source of drafts. Weather stripping, sealant/caulk and door thresholds can help keep the home warm.
Detector update – If you haven’t attended to them in the fall, ensure fresh batteries are added to your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
HVAC tune-up – We previously covered this topic in detail but it’s worth noting again the importance of having an efficiently functioning furnace with clean filters to save on your utility bills.
Fireplace maintenance – If you’re lucky to have a traditional fireplace, now is the time to ensure it’s clean and ready for chestnuts roasting on the open fire. Remove leftover ashes, use a heavy-duty vacuum to remove soot along the walls and corners, and test the flue for a tight seal when closed.
Smart tech – It’s, well, smart to deploy smart-home technology to better monitor temperatures. Install one of the latest thermostats to take more control.
By acting now to address these items, you’ll keep your home warm in winter, create a more energy-efficient environment and save on your heating bill.
And while you’re at the hardware store, consider adding a few items to your shopping cart: fresh batteries, flashlights, ice melt (preferably not a salt mixture to save our waterways), snow shovels and tire chains – especially if you live in higher elevations. (I’m talking to you in Queen Anne, Capitol Hill and other hilly neighborhoods that behave like ski slopes when temps fall below 32 degrees.)
Have a safe and toasty winter.