Winter Proofing Your Home Tips

The extreme weather conditions that often accompany winter can cause a few major problems for homeowners. However, a little preparation and a few simple fixes can keep your home protected against the elements. The flooring and design experts at Carpet Mills of America want to share a few tips to help you get your home ready for the cold winter months.

Check Your Roof for Damage

Ideally your roof should not have any leaks, cracks, missing shingles, or a lack of insulation. Any one of these things could mean trouble for your home in the coming winter months. Cracks and holes can welcome uninvited pests looking to seek shelter when the weather drops, and not having sufficient insulation can lead to higher energy bills due to your roof’s inefficiency to retain heat. You can repair leaks fairly easily by spotting the leak, removing the damaged shingle, applying asphalt cement, and installing a new shingle.

Clear Your Gutters

Before winter, make sure your gutters are clean and clear of any debris. Any twigs, leaves, seedpods, or branches need to be removed from your gutters, and the drains need to be able to carry water out and away from your home. You can clear your gutters in an afternoon using a ladder, gloves, and a garden hose to make sure they are draining properly.

Look for Water Gathering Along Your Window Sills

Check your windows to make sure water drains away from the glass and does not gather on or behind the sill. If you find water is gathering along the sill, make sure you keep it clean to prevent mold growth and further damage. If you find the water pooling around the sill is excessive, it may be possible to build a sloped sill that drains water away from the window.

Fill Gaps in Your Floors

Any gaps in your hardwood floors need to be filled, and you can use rugs in other areas where a draft is likely to sneak up. If you have central heating running in the ventilated floor voids, make sure the piping is insulated. You can insulate these pipes yourself with materials from your local hardware store.

For additional home winter-proofing tips, as well as suggestions on how to keep your floors in good shape during the wet and cold months, get in touch with CMA Flooring. In addition to the many different types of flooring materials we offer, we also specialize in the attractive granite countertops Carrollton, TX, homeowners love to include in their renovations. Stop by our showroom or give us a call at 972-418-6606 for a free quote.