Anyone who lives in the St Louis Area, knows that the
weather here is unpredictable. It’s
always a good idea to be prepared for the colder winter weather headed our way.
Here are a few tips to prepare your home for the cold:
1) Make sure to have clean gutters – Falling leaves
during the autumn can lead to clogged gutters, mold problems, standing water,
and other potentially harmful water damage to your home and your homes
foundation. You may also want to hire a
professional to inspect your gutters to make sure your gutters are in good
working order so you don’t have any problems with your home later.
2) Disconnect and drain all outdoor water hoses,
drain any residual water and turn off any shut-off valves for your faucets. The shut-off valve can be damaged if
frozen. Your water hoses can also be
frozen if water is left in them causing them harm or ruining them entirely.
3) Insulate attic and walls. Air leakage can cause a larger heating bill
in the winter and a large bill for summertime.
Insulation comes in many forms each of which has pros and cons. Each type of insulation and where it is being
installed have different general guidelines which are best left to professionals.
4) Remove any tree branches that could be weighed
down with ice and snow. Tree branches
that have accumulated snow or ice can fall either hurting your home or
someone. It’s best to have these taken
care of before problems arise.
5) Repair any roof leaks. Moisture from frozen water during the winter
can cause many water damage issues to your home. Mold, interior damage, structure damage are
just a few issues that can affect your house.
The same is true for damaged chimneys which can lead to the same water
issues with your home.
6) Make sure your fireplace is ready. Getting a yearly (or more) inspection and
cleaning for your chimney will remove residual buildup which will give you more
safety to use your fireplace. Make sure
your chimney is not damaged as well—a professional mason is best to check for
cracks for this. The mason can also
check that the cap and damper are in good condition. It is also a good idea to clear out any ashes
from previous uses.
These are just a few steps to ensure you have a warm
winter. If you need a local mason in the
St. Louis area, feel free to contact us.
