While cold, snowy days can showcase the natural beauty of winter, they can also wreak havoc on your home. Harsh elements, such as snow, ice and wind can trigger a variety of dangerous and/or expensive issues, which is why home maintenance must be a priority during the colder months of the year.
According to the experts at Thrasher Foundation Repair, recognizing small problems before they become big problems is key to keeping your home safe, warm, secure and operating efficiently during winter. The company offers the following checklist to help prepare your home and enjoy a comfortable, stress-free winter.
Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts.
When debris like leaves clogs gutters, it causes water to overflow and freeze, leading to ice dams and roof leaks. These blockages can cause damage to your roof, siding and foundation, meaning it's critical to remove debris. Run water through gutters and check for proper water flow—if you notice pooling or slow drainage, there may be a blockage that needs attention. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation and walkways by extending them at least 10 feet away from the home. Also be sure to inspect and tighten any loose gutter brackets and fasteners so they can withstand the weight of snow and ice.
Insulate rim joists.
A rim joist, also known as a band board, runs along the perimeter of a floor framing system, where the ends of the other joists meet. Properly insulating this area plays a big role in your home's energy efficiency. If your insulation is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient material to reduce heat loss.
Protect the basement and foundation.
Inspect your foundation for any cracks or damage, and contact a professional to address any problem areas. A sump pump is critical for preventing basement flooding caused by snowmelt or winter storms, so if you have one, be sure to test it to make sure it's working properly. It's also important to inspect discharge lines for potential freezing issues to avoid water backup into the basement. Once the weather warms up, consider grading soil to ensure the ground slopes away from your home, preventing water from seeping through.
Seal and protect concrete.
Carefully inspect walkways, driveways and patios for cracking. During winter, water can seep into cracks, freeze then expand, causing long-term damage. Seal them with a penetrating sealant (rather than a topical one) for long-lasting protection from moisture, salt and other winter elements.
Optimize humidity.
Turn on your furnace's humidifier to maintain proper indoor humidity levels and adjust your dehumidifier settings to match winter's low humidity. This helps keep your home comfortable while preventing moisture-related issues.
Clear debris around the house.
Along with cleaning gutters and downspouts, it's important to clear window wells and clean up around the foundation, too. Debris in window wells can block drainage, causing water from snowmelt to pool near the foundation then seep into the basement.
Manage snow and ice.
Leaving snow and ice on concrete surfaces can erode and weaken the material over time. Regularly shoveling snow from driveways, sidewalks and patios helps prevent ice buildup and protects the concrete from long-term damage.
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