Cold weather, snow, and ice can damage your home or make existing problems even worse. Before temperatures plunge and snow piles up, take some time to winterize your house’s exterior. That will help you keep your heating costs down and avoid having to pay for expensive emergency repairs.
Find and Seal Gaps to Keep out Drafts
Small gaps around windows and doors can lead to high winter heating bills. Check the seals around your windows and doors. If you find any gaps, some caulk or weather stripping might be all you need to seal them off and keep cold air out and warm air in.
If your windows or doors are old, damaged, and inefficient, they might have to be replaced. Aladdin can install energy-efficient vinyl windows and exterior doors that will keep your house warm this winter and keep your utility bills down.
Inspect the Roof
Loose or damaged shingles can make your roof susceptible to damage. When snow falls, moisture can leak beneath the surface of the roof and damage supporting structures and insulation. If water makes its way into the attic, it can damage your belongings.
You might be able to spot signs of a roof problem from the ground, but many issues aren’t obvious. A contractor can climb up on the roof, conduct a thorough inspection, identify problems that you might miss, and make whatever repairs are needed.
Clean and Inspect the Gutters
In Connecticut, leaves fall from trees in the autumn and litter the ground. Some of those leaves wind up in gutters.
When gutters are clean and in good condition, they carry water away from a house and prevent damage to the roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping. If gutters are clogged with wet leaves, it can be difficult or impossible for water to pass through.
When it rains, water can get backed up and damage the roof. When snow on the roof melts but can’t drain through the gutters, it can refreeze and form ice dams, which can damage the roof, strain the gutters, and even cause them to fall down.
Cleaning the gutters is a critical part of preparing your home for winter. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself or don’t have the time, hire a contractor.
If your gutters are damaged, Aladdin can install new, seamless gutters made with aluminum. Gutters without seams are less likely to get clogged. We can also install gutter guards that will significantly reduce the amount of debris that gets into the gutters so you won’t have to clean them as often.
Prepare Your House for Winter
Harsh winter weather can cause major headaches for Connecticut homeowners, but many problems are avoidable. If you need help getting your home’s exterior ready for winter, contact Aladdin to get an estimate for new windows, doors, gutters, or gutter guards.