Winterizing Your Home: Part 1
It won’t be long before the cold winter winds start blowing. And if you haven’t taken the proper steps to protecting your home, those winds will blow right into your house. Maximizing every exposed crack and crevice. You’ll feel it in your bones, along with your wallet since it’s estimated that 25 to 40 percent of a home’s energy usage is wasted on air leakage. Instead of stuffing a quarter of your annual electricity spending into the cracks between your windows and walls, invest in some simple home insulation solutions that will keep you and your family warm this winter. Here are 3 outside projects to get you started.
- Inspect the Exterior
Take advantage of the pleasant autumn weather to thoroughly examine and begin winterizing your home’s exterior for cracks and openings. If you’ve had any recent electrical or plumbing work, or added on to your home, make sure you start there. Sometimes vents, ductwork, and other additions aren’t sealed properly. Then, it only takes a small opening for cold air to enter.
Air is not the only thing you have to worry about getting in, though. Holes and cracks also entice animals looking to escape the frigid temperatures. An opening the size of a dime is all a mouse needs to make its way into your home. We recommend that you plug and seal all cracks and gaps, even if they appear minor, as you work on winterizing your home. If you have any exposed or damaged areas that need expert attention, Excel Fencing & Decking is here to help. We offer professional construction and home repair services throughout central Maryland.
- Gutter Check
You might not associate gutters with home insulation, but it’s an important part of winterizing your house. Make sure gutters are clear of debris, so that water is funneled property, without potential obstructions. While cleaning, you should also hold a level even with your gutter to check its pitch. Ideally, the slope should be between 1/8 inch and 1/16 inch per foot. Just like a clogged gutter, one that is not properly pitched will overflow, which can lead to water seeping into the basement. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning or repairing this essential piece of your home exterior, please contact the professionals.
- Garage Door Gear
You might not live in the garage, but your car does. Leaving it and other important equipment exposed to extreme cold opens the door for damage and potential failure. Insulating garage walls adds a layer of protection that you’ll appreciate on those frigid winter mornings. Check the weather stripping along the garage door and replace it if it’s showing signs of wear and tear. Did you know your garage doors can also be insulated with specially designed products? Options including fiberglass batts, reflective barriers, and foam boards are some popular garage door solutions that will protect this additional space.
We’re not done winterizing yet! Check back next week for more tips on protecting your home from the upcoming Maryland winter. In the meantime, if you need help with any repairs or insulation work, our home improvement experts are here to help. And it all starts with a free, no obligation quote!