By Emma Sturgis
Winter time can be a difficult season for many homeowners. Not only do you have to worry about the cold temperatures, but you also have to make sure your home is insulated properly. This will help keep the warmth in and your energy bills down. Here are some home repairs that you'll need to make this winter to better insulate your home.
Replace Your Roof
One of the most important home repairs you'll need to make this winter is replacing your roof. A damaged or aging roof can be a major cause of heat loss in your home, so it's important that you replace any damaged materials or shingles. Look for signs of damage such as missing shingles, cracked tiles and significant wear on your roofing.
Adding Caulking and Weather Stripping
Caulk and weather stripping are simple yet effective tools that can help insulate your windows and doors against drafts. By sealing off any air gaps around the window or door frame, you can prevent cold air from coming into your home. It's important to note that if there is any damage or wear on either caulking or weather stripping, it should be replaced as soon as possible. You may also want to use spray foam insulation in areas where there are large gaps or cracks in the walls or ceiling.
Insulating Your Attic
Your attic should be well-insulated in order to keep warm air from escaping out of the top of your house during winter months. If you find that your attic is not insulated well enough, then adding insulation could dramatically improve its efficiency and save you money on heating costs. There are various types of insulation available such as fiberglass batts, sprayed foam, blown-in cellulose and rigid foam boards. Talk with a professional insulation contractor to determine which type would work best for your home's needs.
Replacing Old Windows
Single-paned windows are more likely than double-paned ones to let cold air into your home during winter months due to their weaker construction materials and lack of an airtight seal between panes of glass. Installing new double-paned windows can help reduce drafts significantly by providing a stronger barrier against outside elements such as wind and precipitation while also keeping heat trapped inside during colder months. This can result in significant savings on utility bills over time as well as improved comfort levels throughout the entire house.
Making sure that your home is properly insulated during winter months is an important step in keeping warm air inside while keeping energy costs down at the same time. By making simple yet effective repairs like adding caulk/weather stripping, insulating the attic and replacing old single-paned windows with double-paned ones, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable winter season without breaking the bank. Use these tips and tricks when preparing for winter this year so that you can keep warm all season long!
Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Massachusetts. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2
