When the temperatures drop in the Chicagoland area, residents from Hinsdale to Naperville bundle up with puffy coats and thick scarves, to prepare for another Chicago winter. We take the time to prep ourselves for the season, but our homes need to be looked after as well. Make sure your house stands up to the cold temperatures, snow, ice, and heavy winds with these tips for winter.
Clean Your Gutters
If you live in a single family home, it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters before winter arrives. This ensures that water can properly drain away from the home and your roof. Every homeowner knows, if gutters get clogged with dirt and debris, the water may back up and freeze. This causes additional blockages which may lead to water seeping into your home.
Trim Your Trees
If your front or backyard is filled with trees, it looks beautiful in the summer and fall. But empty branches near your gutters, house, or roof can break off under the pressure of snow and ice, causing unnecessary damage. Make sure you trim dangerous overhanging branches – or call a professional to take care of it for you.
Prep Your Pipes
Save yourself thousands of dollars by preparing your pipes so they don’t freeze this winter. When a serious cold snap hits, allow faucets to drip slightly and avoid turning the heat down too low when you leave the house. Wrap exposed pipes in insulation, like a foam rubber or fiberglass sleeve, and have any broken or damaged pipes fixed.
Clean Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace in your home, it’s smart to have it professionally cleaned as you winterize your home. Chances are you haven’t used your fireplace since last winter, so you want to make sure the flue and chimney are clear to prevent blockages which could result in a fire in your home.
Seal Air Leaks
No one likes feeling a draft when the temperatures are hovering around freezing. Prevent outside air from getting in by applying weather stripping around entryways, caulking gaps around doors and windows, and replacing old doorstops.
For more tips on how to prepare your home for winter, or to start planning your post-winter home renovation, contact LaMantia Design and Remodeling.
