Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice that comes with New Jersey Winters can take a toll on your home. Preparing early helps prevent costly repairs, conserve energy, and keep your home safe and comfortable. Follow these key tips for winterizing your home to stay ahead of the cold season.
1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Ice and snow buildup can wreak havoc on a roof and gutters that aren’t in peak condition. Start with a thorough inspection of your roof to identify loose or missing shingles that could allow leaks. Even minor shingle issues can escalate quickly in winter, as water freezes and expands, causing additional damage.
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Gutter Maintenance
Check and clean your gutters to prevent clogs. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which form when melting snow refreezes along the edge of the roof. Ice dams prevent further melting snow from draining, often leading to water leaks in walls and ceilings. Clogged gutters can also become heavy with ice and snow, sometimes pulling away from the roof and creating a significant repair cost.
2. Seal Openings Around Windows, Doors, and Foundations
Drafts not only make your home uncomfortable but can also lead to a sharp increase in your heating bills. It’s estimated that sealing air leaks can reduce energy costs by up to 15% annually. Apply weatherstripping or caulking around windows, doors, and any other potential entry points for drafts to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
Install Door Sweeps for Added Protection
One of the most common entry points for cold air—and pests—is the gap under exterior doors. A door sweep is an affordable and simple solution to block this space effectively. Door sweeps are products that slide or attach to the bottom of a door, forming a tight seal against the floor.
This seal blocks cold drafts from entering and also deters pests like rodents and insects, which can squeeze through even the smallest gaps. Door sweeps come in various materials, such as rubber or bristle, and can be easily installed with screws or adhesive strips.
Pest Prevention and Rodent Control
Winter also brings pests like mice, rats, and raccoons looking for warmth. Make sure to check and seal any holes around your home’s foundation, siding, and vents. For smaller openings, steel wool is an effective way to block entry points, as rodents cannot chew through it. Pairing steel wool with a door sweep further reinforces your home’s defenses, creating a secure barrier against both drafts and unwanted critters.
By addressing these common openings, you can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reduce heating costs, and keep pests at bay during the winter season.
3. Schedule Heating System Maintenance
Your heating system will be working overtime during the cold months, so it’s critical to ensure it’s in top condition before the temperatures drop. Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning for your furnace or heating system. The U.S. Department of Energy advises replacing furnace filters at least once every three months, and more frequently if you have pets or allergies. This simple task helps your system run efficiently and can extend its life span.
Why Preventative Maintenance Matters
Having a professional inspection can prevent unexpected breakdowns in the middle of winter. An efficiently running system also saves on energy bills and ensures that you won’t be left without heat during an unexpected cold snap.
4. Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Frozen pipes can lead to bursts, flooding, and costly repairs. Pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, or garages are especially vulnerable. Use foam pipe insulation, available at most hardware stores, to help prevent freezing.
Keep Faucets Dripping
On extremely cold nights, allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving in your pipes. According to the American Red Cross, a trickling faucet reduces pressure in the system, which helps prevent pipes from bursting.
5. Inspect and Test Safety Devices
Winter brings an increased reliance on heating devices, which raises the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing alarms monthly and replacing batteries at least once a year.
Winter Home Preparation Checklist
To help ensure your home is ready for winter, here’s a quick summary of the key tasks to tackle:
- Roof: Check for loose or missing shingles.
- Gutters: Clean out debris to prevent ice dams.
- Drafts: Seal gaps around doors and windows.
- Heating System: Schedule a professional maintenance visit.
- Pipes: Insulate and keep faucets dripping on cold nights.
- Safety Devices: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Taking these steps can help you avoid common winter issues such as drafts, pest invasions, frozen pipes, and heating breakdowns. Proactive maintenance saves you time and money, providing peace of mind when winter storms roll in. At Dan Can Home Services, we’re here to help you stay warm, safe, and prepared. From pest exclusion services to comprehensive winterization assistance, our team has you covered.
If you need Pest Control and More in New Jersey – Don’t Think, Who Can? Dan Can!
call or text 609-224-8071 or contact us now
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