Living in a colder climate can be difficult in terms of safely and effectively maintaining your home. Hard freezes, snow and ice buildup, and bitter winds can all take a toll on your home’s structure and surfaces. Fortunately, there are many precautions and routine maintenance easy to take to help your home thrive in even the coldest climates.
The key to successful home maintenance in cold climates is to be proactive. However, depending on your particular snowy and icy environment, your home could require different procedures and products than what a home located in a warmer climate might.
Though difficult at times, home maintenance in colder climates can be conquered with the right tips to ensure your home and family are safe and comfortable. Read on for the best tips on how to maintain a home in cold climate regions.
Sealing Gaps to Keep Warmth In
Colder climates often mean hard freezes, which require extra insulation in order to protect your home from the drastic temperature shift. One way to provide this insulation is by sealing any exterior gaps or cracks that could provide a cold draft. Applying a high-quality air sealant can help cover any holes or openings through which heat could escape.
It is also important to check weather stripping and foam insulation on all door and window openings. The presence of torn or damaged weatherstripping can significantly reduce the tightness of the surface, which could lead to an infiltration of cold air. Check for any gaps and replace any necessary strips or insulation to protect your home from harsh, cold winter winds.
Cleaning Snow Off Your Roof
In colder climates, snow fall on your roof can cause strain on the structure of the home if not cleared away periodically. The best way to protect your roof and ensure it remains safe is to shovel the accumulated snow off your roof. Be sure to use a shovel with a soft blade in order to prevent damaging the shingles while you clear the snow.
Additionally, check that your gutters are clear of debris and ice as melting snow can cause blockage and can have a damaging affect on your foundation and basement walls. Clearing away ice dams and shrubs that grow near the roof can also prevent undue strain on your gutters.
Be sure to use a spotter when shoveling snow off the roof, especially if the roof is slanting, as the extra weight of the snow can be dangerous. Taking care of the snow on your roof is an important preventative measure to ensure your home is safe and stable during the winter.
Testing and Maintaining Your Heating System
The most important thing to check during cold weather is your home’s heating system. Have your heating system professionally inspected and serviced once a year at minimum. This will help guarantee that it is running properly and safely so that your family is able to stay warm with minimal problem.
During especially cold weather, it is important to check your heating system several times throughout the season to be sure it is working correctly. Pay attention to how much heat is reaching the farthest corners of your home and check your house’s temperature with a thermometer. Look for any signs of wear on the outside of the system that could be a symptom of larger internal problems. Also be sure to monitor the temperature of the system’s exhaust pipes to ensure that they are operating normally.
Stay Prepared:
- Check and replace weatherstripping and foam insulation on doors and windows.
- Shovel snow off your roof in order to reduce strain.
- Air seal any exterior gaps to reduce draft.
- Check for any blockage or debris in your gutters.
- Test and maintain your heating system for safety.
Conclusion
Maintaining your home in colder climates can be difficult, but with the right knowledge and products, you can ensure your home is safe and comfortable during the winter months. Be sure to regularly inspect and maintain your home in order to keep your home and family safe while standing up to the winter elements.