We’ve been pretty spoiled this year with mild temperatures, but we all know that winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to make sure your North Carolina home is ready and your foundation is prepared for the winter freeze.
North Carolina has a wide variety of climates depending on where you live, so not all of these tips may apply to you, but better to be prepared than caught unaware.
We hope these tips will help you keep your home safe and comfortable.
There’s no better time than the present to get started on winterizing your home. We all know that the weather can change in a day. Take advantage of the current weather to get the outside of your home ready, then you can work on the interior.
Most experts recommend North Carolinians winterize before late November or middle December. That is usually when the first freeze or snowstorm occurs.
Start at the top with your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are clear of debris and that water can flow freely. If they are clogged, water can spill over the sides and alongside your foundation. The soil can become saturated and cause walls to bow or cracks to appear. If there are already cracks in your walls, the water can enter and freeze. When it freezes, it will expand and make the crack bigger. In addition, if the water freezes in the gutter, the heavy ice can cause the gutters to fall and then you will have no protection on your roof. While you’re up there, make sure that your roof is in good shape. You don’t want to have to do repairs in the middle of the winter.
If you have your ladder out, you may as well check your siding. If you see cracks or gaps, you can fill them with caulk or insulation foam. This will keep the winter chill from invading your home.
This is a good time to check out your air conditioner units. If you have window units, you should take them out and put them in storage or put covers on them. If you have central air, make sure that there is no debris around the unit and put a cover over the unit.
Check your outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Make sure the sprinkler systems are drained and winterized. Remove hoses from outside spigots and, if possible, turn the water off to the faucets. A frozen pipe will break at the weakest point and it could be inside your home. A flooded basement or crawl space is never fun, but it’s even worse in freezing temperatures.
Making sure the outside of your home is ready will keep your foundation and home safe during the winter.
Concentrate on the inside once you take care of the outside. Take this time to check your smoke alarms and CO detectors.
Check your furnace before you need it. Change the filter and turn it on. The first cold night is not the time to find out your furnace is out of order. Make sure that heater vents and cold air exchanges are clear and dust-free.
If your windows are drafty, now is a good time to replace them. If that isn’t in your budget, you can buy plastic window insulation sheeting at your favorite DIY or hardware store. It doesn’t take long and can make a big difference in your heating bills and comfort level. If you have storm windows, now is the time to install them, also. They can protect against higher winds and gives you another level of insulation.
Examine your pipes, especially the ones on exterior walls. You may want to wrap them in insulation to protect them from freezing and bursting. If pipes are inside cabinets or closets, open the doors during extreme freezing temperatures. This will allow the heat of your home to reach the pipes, keeping them thawed. Take the time to check your waterproofing system, too. Inspect your sump pumps and pits and make sure they are in good condition.
While looking at your pipes, check your foundation walls for cracks and other damage. You can temporarily patch up small cracks, but you should have a professional examine them. If you discover damage, call a foundation repair company, like Tar Heel Foundation Solutions, to inspect your foundation. Before the weather gets bad, make repairs. Some repairs are done from the inside, depending on the solution.
Making sure your home is ready for the winter months will save you time, money, and stress. Have shovels, salt or sand, and winter gear ready. Stores are sure to be wiped out by people not ready when the first storm hits. You’ll be ready for anything that Old Man Winter can throw at you. The foundation experts at Tar Heel Foundation Solutions hope these tips help you. If you have any questions about preparing your home for winter, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!
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