Tips on Preparing Your Home for the Winter

Winter is right around the corner, so you need to make sure that your home is ready for it. In this blog, gutter installation company Gutter Helmet of Eastern NY shares expert tips on preparing your home for the winter season.

Inspect the Roof and Attic

Perform a roof and attic inspection a few weeks before winter begins. In addition to addressing holes and other problems that could lead to roofing leaks, look out for damaged or clumping insulation. Uninsulated roofs are prone to ice dams, which can lead to water infiltration through the roof edges.

Clean Your Gutters

Keeping your gutters clean can help make sure that melting ice and snow are kept away from your home when the spring thaw comes. Standing water, leaves and debris in the gutters can freeze during winter, exerting strain as the water molecules expand. Also, make sure to clean and reapply sealant on the joints and seams of your gutters. Investing in seamless gutters can help reduce the need for this type of work.

Replace Air Filters

Maintain indoor air quality by regularly replacing the air filters on your HVAC system. Air filters typically require replacement every three months, but may require replacement as often as once a month during periods of heavy use.

Watch Out for Drafts

Drafts indicate air leaks and usually occur near doors and windows. Scraping and reapplying caulking, as well as replacing the weatherstripping, can help solve the problem of drafts. If drafts still persist, you may need to have the windows replaced.

Trim the Branches

If your home is surrounded by trees, take a quick look and make sure the branches are not touching the roofing surface. Sharp twigs can scrape off the protective outer layer—granules on asphalt shingles, coatings on metal roofs—which could expose the layers underneath to moisture damage. A local arborist can trim the branches without harming the trees.

If you need help with your gutters, Gutter Helmet of Eastern NY is your leading provider of gutters replacement services. Give us a call at (866) 252-9400 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.