Though Atlanta winters are generally mild, events like 2014’s “Snowpocalypse” still occasionally hit our city. Preparing for ice, sleet, snow and below-freezing temperatures will protect your property from damage and keep your utility bills lower. Read on to learn what it takes to winterize your Georgia home and when to begin the process.
Why Is It Necessary to Prepare Your Home for Winter?
Winterizing your home can bring many advantages.
- Increased energy efficiency: Improving your insulation and tuning up your heating system will maximize energy efficiency and reduce utility bills.
- Minimized property damage: Prepare your home for winter to protect pipes, structures and your heating and cooling system from the cold weather.
- Reduce repair expenses: Annual maintenance can keep your home in top condition, extend its life span and reduce the chance of costly repairs.
- Improved safety and comfort: Winterizing your home makes your living environment cleaner, safer, healthier and warmer.
When Should You Begin Winterizing Your Home?
You should begin preparing your house for winter in late summer or early fall to give yourself plenty of time to complete every task before the cold sets in.
What Tools and Materials Do You Need to Winterize Your Home?
Some aspects of preparing your home for winter may require professional help, such as servicing your heating system, clearing out gutters on multiple stories or repairing your roof.
If you plan some DIY maintenance and preparation, you will need tools and materials such as:
- A ladder for inspecting your roof and gutters
- Silicone caulk for filling in gaps around doors and windows
- Weatherstripping for doors and windows
- New batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Insulation for the attic or basement
- Covers for outdoor faucets
Fall Checklist for Homeowners
In early autumn, create a maintenance schedule with the following checklist for how to prepare your home for winter. Prioritize tasks based on urgency. For example, roof care may be paramount if you haven’t inspected your shingles, soffits and gutters in a while or you suspect you could have a leak. Constant drafts and high utility bills mean door and window maintenance should be at the top of your list.
Evaluate your needs, then complete this checklist throughout the fall to ensure your home is ready for winter.
Inspect the Roof
Your roof is critical to your house’s structural integrity and safety. Loose or missing shingles could allow water to leak inside, leading to damage and mold growth. Cleaning and repairing your roof before winter will help minimize the risk of water damage or ice dams.
You can assess your roof by climbing a ladder to look around or using binoculars to view it from the ground. A roofing professional can also provide valuable assistance in inspecting, cleaning and repairing your roof. Check shingles, roof penetrations and ventilation features for damage. Clean away leaves or debris that trap moisture and increase the risks of water leaks.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters and downspouts lead water away from your home to prevent leaks and damage — but they must be clean and unclogged to work properly. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to decay, ice dams and roof and basement leaks. If the leaves and debris inside the gutter freeze, they can become heavy and cause the gutters to sag or fall.
Regularly cleaning and inspecting your gutters, especially in the fall, will help you protect your home and reduce the chances of damage. Check for leaks, cracks and loose gutter sections. Add downspout extensions to divert water far away from your house’s foundation. A professional can clean, repair and secure your gutters for proper drainage.
Weatherproof Doors and Windows
Drafty doors and windows increase your utility bills and make your home uncomfortable in the winter. Sealing gaps and cracks before the chill sets in enables you to create a cozy home throughout winter.
Silicone caulk is a durable and effective solution for sealing small or oddly shaped gaps. Apply weatherstripping to larger cracks around door and window frames. Check for and seal cracks in your foundation and holes where cables and pipes enter your home. Replacing screen windows and doors with storm alternatives for the winter can keep your home warmer and your utility bills lower.
Prepare Your Home’s Interior
Have a professional check and service your heating system to get it ready for the cold season ahead. They can replace filters, clean components and repair minor issues to help your system operate efficiently. If you plan to use your chimney and fireplace this winter, have a professional clean them thoroughly for safety.
Consider these other aspects of your home to prepare for the winter.
- Pipes: Frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive water damage, so take time to inspect and insulate your pipes to protect them from freezing temperatures.
- Attics and basements: Insulating your attic or basement will keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Ceiling fans: Reversing your ceiling fans’ direction to spin clockwise creates an updraft, pushing warm air down and reducing the stress on your heating system.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Test your detectors and replace batteries as needed to ensure they work.
Protect Outdoor Features
Preparing your landscaping, yard tools and irrigation systems for the cold season will preserve them for the spring. While the metro Atlanta area usually does not get much snow, chilly temperatures and wet weather can still cause damage. Protect your property by:
- Trimming trees and shrubs away from your roof and gutters
- Draining irrigation or sprinkler systems
- Turning off exterior faucets and disconnecting hoses
- Insulating faucets with covers
- Draining fuel from gas-powered tools, like lawnmowers
- Removing batteries from electric equipment or storing it inside a heated garage
- Stocking up on winter essentials, such as ice melt and firewood
Trust A Better Gutter Cleaning to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Since 1998, A Better Gutter Cleaning has delivered exceptional customer service to property owners throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Our experienced, certified professionals know how to winterize your home and get ahead of the cold weather. We offer various services, including:
- Gutter maintenance and repair
- Tree pruning
- Skylight cleaning
- Shingle replacement
With quick and easy scheduling, you can get the maintenance services you need to prepare your property for winter. Contact us today for a free quote!
