A Sun Lovers Guide for the Winter Storms and How To Prepare Your Home

Winter is coming, and that means it's time to prepare your home for the cold weather! If you don't take the necessary precautions, your home could be at risk for damage during winter storms. Your home will be better able to handle Mother Nature's ups and downs and unpredictable moods if you winterize it to defend against snow and below-freezing temperatures.

As the weather gets colder, it's important to take steps to winterize your home. This will help you stay warm and comfortable all season long, and can also help prevent costly damage from cold weather.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to winterize your home so that you can stay safe and warm all season long. We'll cover everything from roofing to insulation to windows. By following our comprehensive guide, you can make sure your home is ready for anything the winter weather throws your way!

1. Roofing: Check your roof for any signs of damage or leaks. If you find any, have them repaired immediately to prevent further damage. It's also a good idea to check the flashing around your chimney and vents, as well as the gutters, for clogs and debris. If there are any trees near your home, make sure to trim any branches that could potentially cause damage during winter storms.

2. Insulation: Check your insulation to ensure it is adequate for the season. If you have insufficient insulation, you'll end up wasting valuable energy and money on heating costs. There are many different types of insulation available, depending on the area of the home

HOW TO INSULATE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

As the weather starts to turn and the days grow shorter, it's time to start thinking about how to insulate your home for winter. There are a few key areas to focus on in order to keep your home warm and toasty all season long.

One of the most important things you can do is make sure that your windows are properly insulated. This can be done by adding weather stripping around the edges of the frame and using heavy duty curtains or blinds. You can also add a layer of film to the inside of your windows which will help to keep heat in.

Another area to focus on is your attic. Make sure that there is adequate insulation in place in order to keep heat from escaping through the roof. You may also want to consider adding a ceiling fan in order to circulate warm air throughout the space.

Finally, pay attention to your doors. Just like with windows, you'll want to make sure that there is weather stripping around the door frame and that the door itself fits snugly in its frame. You might also want to consider investing in a heavier duty door for added protection against the cold.

By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your home is properly insulated for winter and that you'll stay nice and cozy all season long!

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR WINDOWS FOR WINTER

When the weather outside starts to turn chilly, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for winter. There are a few key things you can do to make sure your windows are ready for the colder months ahead.

First, it's important to check the seals around your windows. If there are any cracks or gaps, cold air can seep in, making your home less comfortable and costing you money in higher energy bills. You can either caulk or weatherstrip these areas to create a tight seal.

Next, take a look at your window coverings. If you have heavy curtains or drapes, make sure they are hanging properly and not blocking any of the heat from your radiators or other heat sources. You might also want to invest in some insulated shades or blinds to help keep the heat in.

Finally, don't forget about window maintenance itself. In the winter, it's especially important to clean your windows regularly to prevent them from fogging up. You should also inspect them for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips in the glass, and have them repaired if necessary.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR WINTERIZING YOUR HOME

There are a few other things you can do to winterize your home: 

• Have your furnace serviced before the start of winter so it's running efficiently when you need it most.

• Install a programmable thermostat so you can easily control the temperature in your home. Allow for ventilation. Proper attic ventilation, adequate attic insulation and a tight air barrier between the attic and the interior of the house will work together to prevent ice dams.

• If you have a fireplace, make sure it's properly sealed off so warm air doesn't escape up the chimney. Store your firewood in a dry place at least 30 feet from your home to avoid a fire hazard.

• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they spin clockwise, which will push warm air down into the room. 

• Make sure all exterior doors fit snugly in their frames and seal off any cracks or gaps around them with weatherstripping or caulk. 

• Stock up on supplies such as salt and sand for your walkways and driveway so you can prevent slips and falls when the weather gets icy. 

• Tool checkup. Make sure your snow shovels are free from cracks. Schedule the annual tune-up for your snow blower, if you have one.

• Winterize outdoor faucets. Remove all hoses or devices attached to outdoor spigots. Be sure to drain any water left behind in the pipes. Have in-ground sprinkler systems blown out and turn off water to the outdoor spigots.

• Outdoor furniture. Wash upholstery and frames. In northern climates, store both furniture and cushions in a covered spot free from moisture.

• Install storm windows and doors. Storm windows and doors add a layer of protection to your home and help increase their energy efficiency.

• Clear any landscape debris and waste. Remove any debris or branches from around the HVAC unit, gas meters, away from basement windows and your dryer exhaust vent. Cut back dead or dying limbs and any branches that can touch the roof or siding. When it's windy, branches can rub or scratch the surfaces of your home and cause damage. They also could fall during a storm or break under heavy snow and ice.

• Swimming pools and hot tubs. In northern climates, close up and secure both the swimming pool and hot tub.

• Outdoor lights. Ensure that lights at doors (front, back and garage) are functioning. Replace any burned-out bulbs with more efficient LED options.

• Prevent pests. Walk around your house to check the foundation for small cracks or openings where mice or other pests can tunnel in. Winter is when they seek the warmth of your house, so seal up any possible entrances.

• Sidewalk and driveway. Shovel the snow from the sidewalk and driveway and then follow-up with a de-icing product to prevent slips and falls.

After a winter storm, examine your holiday decorations.

It's time to celebrate, but be careful when using your Christmas decorations. Before turning on your light display, check the wiring because frayed wires might cause an electrical fire. The indoor Christmas tree should also be checked for signs of storage-related damage to the light strands. Keep your genuine Christmas tree watered because dried trees are more likely to catch fire. For information on how to dispose of the tree after the new year, contact your neighborhood government.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your windows will be able to withstand the cold winter weather and keep your home cozy and comfortable all season long!

JACOBS & CO. REAL ESTATE, LLC.

12923 Fitzwater Dr. Nokesville, VA 20155 

(703) 594-3800 | jacobsandco.com