Is Your Home Ready for the Winter Weather?

Preparing your home for the cool and damp winter may not be top of your to-do list now. You’d rather enjoy the autumn colors and go apple picking than winterize your home or perform DIY home maintenance tasks. Does this describe you? 

If you want to protect your home from winter elements and keep your basement dry, you have to take active measures and stop procrastinating. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can do significant damage to your home. Make sure you take time to prepare your home before the winter chill sets in. 

Why Clean Your Basement? 

Starting with the basement, your cement block walls likely have mold or mildew spores. These microorganisms thrive in damp, darker areas and can build up over time. When they take over the basement, they will fill the air with musty odors. 

Dirt and grime can also accumulate on your basement walls, and this may encourage bacteria and other contaminants. These can cause respiratory problems and worsen conditions like asthma. Cleaning and disinfecting your basement walls eliminates mold and bacteria, improving safety and the overall appeal of the basement. 

While you can clean your basement walls on your own time with a solution of water and detergent or even bleach, it’s always best if you find mold growth in your basement to instead seek the assistance of a mold removal professional. You also can work with local basement waterproofing experts to install the best waterproofing solutions to keep your basement dry, healthy, and free of mold. 

Tips for Winterizing your Home 

Cleaning your basement isn’t the only thing you should do in autumn. You also have to take preventive measures both on the inside and outside of your home. 

• Inspect your fireplace inside out to ensure no bird’s nests or debris accumulates on the cap. 
• Check the roof for cracked caulk, missing or broken shingles, worn rubber boots, and moss or lichen. 
• Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and foundation damage. 
• Review your home insulation, especially around the hot water heater, exterior outlets, and fireplace. 
• Insulate your windows with weather stripping along the sides of sashes or rope caulk or double tape it with shrink film to block drafts. 
• Trim tree branches and overhanging limbs as they can allow water to seep into cracks on your siding or roof. 
• Winterize your water pipes as they’re susceptible to cold or freezing weather. Insulate any exposed pipes with foam insulating sleeves after wrapping them with electrical heating tape. 
• Inspect and clean heating vents so air can flow freely. Replace your old, dirty air filter with a new and clean one. Doing so will ensure the flow of clean air. 
• Upgrade old windows and appliances. Get double glazed windows and SMART appliances with motion sensors. 
• Cover the AC unit to protect it from wet leaves and debris. These can cause rust or the internal components to freeze. 

Fall is the best time to winterize your home in readiness for the cold, snowy weather. Be sure to inspect your HVAC and other vital structural and mechanicals systems within your home. Ensure all systems are functioning so you can enjoy a warm, cozy indoors. Would you like to carry out basement waterproofing or repairs before the cold weather arrives in Fargo, ND? This is the best time to seek professional help with winterizing your basement from local experts at Innovative Basement Authority. Schedule a free basement waterproofing inspection and quote, and find out how we can keep your basement clean, dry, and warm during the winter months.