Last year we posted our 10 best maintenance tips to protect your home from winter weather. This year, we’re diving deeper into some common winter issues we see in the Southeastern Wisconsin area, like ice dams, keeping your home warm while you’re away, insulating pipes in unheated areas, prepping gutters, keeping your basement cozy, and some projects you can tackle even while winter weather rages outdoors. Plus, take a look at these essentials you may need as you learn how to winterize your home.
Why winterizing your home is important
We have tons of experience repairing home damage. Winterizing your home is one of the many preventative measures you can take to protect your home from damage before it happens. There are several more reasons to be proactive with your home maintenance:
-
Prevents property damage
One of the most significant risks to your home posed by winter weather is frozen pipes, which can lead to burst pipes and extensive water damage to your property.
Additionally, accumulated snow and ice can lead to ice damming on your roof, leading to leaks and structural damage.
-
Enhances energy efficiency
Part of the winterizing process involves insulating and sealing drafts. By limiting major drafts, you’ll retain heat more effectively which can help lower heating costs. Plus, a well-winterized home means you’re comfy and cozy all season long.
-
Reduces the need for expensive repairs
As you carry out the winterizing process, you may notice some small repairs that need to be made. Taking care of damage when it’s small means you avoid larger, more costly repairs down the road.
In addition, home insurance companies sometimes offer better prices or discounts for homes that are properly winterized, due to a reduced risk of claims related to winter damage.
-
Ensures your family’s safety
When you winterize, you’re taking important steps to keep your family safe during Wisconsin’s harshest season.
How to winterize your home
Prevent ice dams
-
Improve Insulation
Ensure your attic is well-insulated to minimize heat loss near your roof. Proper insulation keeps warm air from escaping into your attic, which can warm the roof and cause snow to melt. If you need help choosing the right insulation for your home, read our blog outlining the pros and cons of all your options.
Identify and seal any major air leaks in your home, particularly around vents. At JB Custom, we believe that a bit of breathability is necessary for your home’s health, especially if you have vaulted ceilings, but any large leaks should be taken care of before the winter months begin. If you’re seeing cracked drywall in your vaulted ceilings, that’s a tell-tale sign that they aren’t insulated properly and may need a full demo and re-insulation with proper ventilation.
-
Enhance Ventilation
Install or upgrade ridge and soffit vents to allow cold air to circulate in your attic. This helps maintain a consistent temperature across your entire roof, reducing the likelihood of melting snow that leads to water damage. You should also make sure that your attic has continuous ventilation to keep temperatures low enough to avoid melting snow and ice.
-
Clear snow accumulation regularly
Use a roof rake to remove snow from the edges of your roof after large snowfalls. That way, the snow cannot melt and refreeze, which is what causes ice dams in the first place.
Make sure you keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris so that any snow that does melt can drain properly. Keep reading to find out how to care for your gutters in the winter.
-
Consider using ice dam prevention products
Electric de-icing cables installed along your roof’s edge and in the gutters melt snow and ice so ice dams can’t form.
Or, consider placing calcium chloride bricks on your roof to help prevent ice buildup. They will gradually release chemicals that melt ice without damaging roof materials.
How to keep your home warm while you’re away for a long period of time
If you’ve got a winter vacation planned, we’re jealous! Even while you’re out of town, it’s still important to keep your house warm to prevent burst pipes, ice dams and other winter damage. Keep reading for our best tips.
-
Prepare your heating system
Double check that your heating system is in good working order before you go. Replace filters and schedule seasonal maintenance with a professional before winter starts. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently.
-
Set the thermostat
We recommend setting your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F. This is especially important in tough winters like those we have in Wisconsin.
If you have a smart thermostat, you’ll be able to adjust the temperature based on your schedule. Likely, you’ll also be able to check in on the temperature of your home even from the road, or a beach somewhere far from Wisconsin’s frozen tundra.
-
Use window treatments
Thermal curtains can help trap heat inside your house and block cold air from entering through the windows. Similarly, applying a plastic window film over your windows creates an extra layer of insulation, which can significantly reduce heat loss while you’re away.
Try using draft stoppers on the bottoms of your doors to minimize cold air infiltration that way, too.
-
Manage humidity
To prevent pipes from freezing, leave faucets slightly open to allow dripping, especially during extreme cold spells. You may also consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help retain heat.
-
Prepare for emergencies
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before you leave and be sure to replace batteries if necessary. You could also inform a trusted neighbor or friend that you’ll be out of town so they can periodically check on your empty home.
3 Ways to insulate pipes in the winter
- Foam pipe insulation often comes pre-slit for easy installation and can fit a variety of pipe sizes. It provides great thermal resistance and creates a moisture barrier, making it a great choice for both hot and cold pipes. It’s also affordable and very user-friendly.
- Fiberglass insulation can be purchased in pre-formed tubes or blankets that readily wrap around pipes. It’s especially effective at resisting heat transfer, which makes it particularly suitable for hot water pipes and preventing condensation.
- Rubber pipe insulation is both flexible and durable, adapting well to temperature fluctuations. It’s also moisture resistant, so it’s good for indoor and outdoor applications.
Pipe insulation installation best practices
- Cover exposed pipes in unheated areas
- Seal gaps and cracks with caulk or weather stripping
- Check insulation regularly and replace any damaged sections
How to prep your gutters for winter
1. Inspect your gutters for damage before winter starts.
Check for signs of sagging, loose fasteners, or any visible damage, and address those issues promptly.
2. Clean the gutters thoroughly.
Remove debris to prevent clogs that can lead to ice dams. Use a hose to flush your gutters for remaining debris and check for any remaining clogs in the downspouts.
3. Inspect gutters for any leaks.
If you identify any leaks, seal them. Pay close attention to cracks in the gutters or seams.
4. Consider scheduling a professional cleaning.
If you’re uncomfortable being on a ladder or not sure how to properly clear and clean your gutters, it’s best to call a professional.
How to keep your basement warm even in the winter
Every midwesterner knows that basements tend to be cold, and they get even colder in the winter. Lucky for you, we’ve got the best tips and tricks to keep your basement cozy even in the coldest months of the year.
-
Electric radiant floor heating
This is a larger-budget option, but it’s extremely effective. Electric radiant floor heating evenly warms the floor, providing consistent heat throughout the basement. It’s quiet and doesn’t require blowers or fans, making it a comfortable choice. For a basement renovation including electric radiant floor heating, JB Custom has the expert team you need.
-
Wall heaters
Wall heaters are a great space-saver that can be installed into walls. They provide efficient gas or electric heating without taking up floor space. They draw in cold air and expel warm air, making them perfect for smaller areas.
-
Portable space heaters
These heaters are easy to use and can be moved to different areas as needed. While they are great for spot heating, they aren’t as energy-efficient for small spaces.
-
Wood pellet stoves
Wood pellet stoves burn compressed wood pellets and provide effective heat while adding a cozy ambiance to your basement. However, they do require proper ventilation and a carbon monoxide detector.
Prevent heat loss by ensuring your basement is well-insulated to minimize heat loss. Seal gaps around windows and doors to maintain a consistent temperature.
How to winterize your home: Home projects you can still check off your list in the winter
Upgrade Your Insulation
Proper insulation is a necessity for the cold weather we get in Wisconsin. It brings comfort, savings, and even environmental benefits right to your doorstep, which makes it an essential step in learning how to winterize your home.
Drywall Repair and Installation
Repairing damaged drywall can make a big impact on the look and feel of your home. With an expert team of drywall technicians like those at JB Custom, you can be sure that your walls will be so well done that you won’t even remember the damage in the first place. We can even update your drywall texture. If you have major drywall issues or if you want to completely update your space with a brand-new drywall installation, JB Custom is the team for you.
Interior Painting
If your space is no longer inspiring you, a fresh coat of paint can change the whole vibe of your home. JB Custom’s dedicated interior paint contractors bring your dream home to life.
The JB Custom difference
If you’d like to make some upgrades to your home’s interior this winter, or if you’ve found some areas that need repair in learning how to winterize your home, JB Custom has the expert craftspeople to make your dreams a reality. Our team has the experience and know-how to make sure your project goes smoothly from beginning to end. Check out what sets us apart:
- Custom-tailored solutions: Every project is unique, and we customize our approach to fit your specific needs
- Top-quality materials: We use only the highest quality materials to ensure the best results for your project
- Expert craftspeople: Our crew brings years of experience and a commitment to excellence on every single job, no matter the size
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to bring your project to life.
Recent Comments