Prepare Your Home For Winter

There are several steps that you should take to ensure that your home does not sustain any unexpected damages this winter that could have been avoided with proper planning and preventative methods. As you are more than aware, winters in Vienna can be a bit rough at times, which is why Safford Alfa Romeo of Tysons Corner has provided you with several home winterizing tips that protect your house from the worst of the elements.

The vast majority of these tasks can be accomplished by yourself, but if you do need a hand, do not hesitate to call a professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Clean the Gutters

The simplest step that you can take to make sure that water does not pool up or damage your foundation, siding, or windows is to remove all the gunk residing in your gutters. Keeping your gutter channels clean ensures that runoff is guided to where it is supposed to go. You can clean your gutters by hand or by leaf blower. You can also hire a professional. It might not seem like it, but cleaning your gutters is one of the most vital steps to protecting your home during the winter.

Inspect Your Roof

If you can do it in a safe manner, climb up on your roof and inspect the shingles, the flashing, and any caulking to ensure that no damage has occurred over the summer. If you live in a forested area, be aware that falling branches can damage your roof. Also pay attention to any low hanging tree limbs. You might need to cut them off before the full force of winter arrives. The weight of ice and snow can cause them to snap and fall upon your roof.

You might also like: Five Tips To Caring For Your Vehicle This Fall

Check for Drafts

To avoid a costly heating bill, go through your house and check to see if it’s properly insulated. This will usually occur around doors and windows. If you do happen upon any drafts, use weather stripping or caulking to block the incoming airflow. Also check around baseboards and outlets, as well. Your ultimate goal is to keep hot air in and cold air out.