5 Tips for Winter-Proofing Your Home

It’s that time of the year again. Winter is coming. While winter is a magical season, filled with holiday cheer and cozy living, it also means cold temperatures and snow. 

Without proper proofing like insulation, roof/chimney cleaning, clean gutters and secure windows and doors, your home could be at risk the minute severe weather comes knocking. 

Is your home ready to take on the elements this winter? If not, we’re here to help. 

Simply, follow these five winter-proofing tips to make your home a safe and comfortable oasis during the winter season. 

1. Install Storm Doors

The first line of defence for keeping winter outside is sturdy doors that can withstand the elements. Protect your entry doors and home with storm doors. 

Storm doors work as additional outer doors that provide protection from the harsh winds and cold. They insulate the entryways, and when installed properly act as a powerful barrier. Think of them as your own home’s bodyguards. 

These doors can be made of aluminum, plastic, or wood. They also come in an assortment of colors and designs, so this is a great way to accessorize your existing doors while keeping your home warm and safe. 

2. Caulk Your Windows & Doors 

Is there anything more uncomfortable than feeling a draft of cold air in your home, especially after you’ve closed all of the doors and windows? Your window and doors may need some caulking. 

While some people go for infrared thermal guns to detect cold drafts, an easier approach would be to move a lit candle around the door or window. Once you find the gaps that have been letting the freezing air in, use your caulk gun to fill them in. In case the gaps are too large you can always use foam fillers.

An important thing to remember is that you have to go along the length of all of your doors and windows to guarantee that the cold stays out.

Doing a thorough job now will save you time and money in the long run. 

3. Clean Out The Gutters

The first line of defence against water damage to your home is your gutters. We recommend cleaning them out mid-fall before it gets too cold.

Remove the leaves, debris, and any puddle of water that might have collected there over time. Once you’ve cleaned them out, we recommend you install a leaf guard. This will stop more leaves and debris from getting into the gutter. 

It is important that you minimize spots where water can collect, freeze, expand, and create leaks. The leaks can seep under the roofline, and ice can build up damaging your roof and gutters.

For a headache-free option, seek the help of professionals who are capable of cleaning your gutters and downspouts and making sure they’re ready for the snow.

4. Maintain Your Roof & Chimney

Your roof has the unfortunate role of being the first part of your home that is weighted down by the falling snow. Since your roof has such a big role, it also needs to be maintained properly.

The snow that settles there will melt, and if your roof is already in bad condition, what starts as small leaks will get much worse. This can lead to some costly renovations in the future. 

A simple solution is to have your roof coated.  This will stop leaks from forming. While you are up on the roof, why not check on the chimney as well? Get your chimney cleaned early into winter, by checking for cracks and sweeping any build-up and ash. 

It is highly recommended that you get a trained person to do this for you as both tasks require some skill and technical knowledge.

4. Insulate Your Attic 

So you've had your roof coated, but there are other ways to protect it. Insulating your attic will circulate heat around the upper sections of your home. This is important because it prevents ice from building up on your roof and causing damage. 

At the same time, it maintains the warmer temperatures and stops the outside cold from entering.

Proper insulation also reduces heating costs, drafts, and sound. You have a few insulation options such as foam, cellulose, or fibreglass, but talk to an expert about which one would be best for you. 

Insulation can be laid in your attic, basement, garage, and even around your pipes.

Seek The Help of A Professional 

After following these steps, you should now be better equipped to winter-proof your home just in time for the holidays. While some of these steps can be done alone, it is much safer to have an expert assist you.

At Smart Home Improvement, we have all of your exterior home needs covered, from insulating your attic to installing your first storm doors.

Get in touch with us to give your home a protective makeover and make this a cozier winter for you and your family.