Everyone knows the harsh winter months can wreak havoc on a house. Being prepared and mindful is key for any homeowner, but many people don’t realize how easy it can be to get in front of the many common problems winter can bring. Here are some of the most useful tips from the people at Flansburg Construction to help you get ahead of the season and keep your house warm, hassle-free.
Buy supplies early
Snow shovels, caulk, weatherstripping, and leaf guards are all exceptionally useful in mitigating weather damage and snow buildup. However, these supplies are in high demand when the season is starting. Make sure you get out to your local hardware store early and stock up. Buy two snow shovels, and buy more caulk than you think you might need, especially if you live in an older house. Getting supplies early guarantees you’ll get what you need, and that you’ll have more options available when shopping
Disconnect hoses and turn off outside water
A simple trick that many homeowners forget! Destroying your hoses (or worse, your pipes) due to freezing water is an easy mistake to make, but the solution is simple: Just remember to store your hoses before it gets cold, and turn off any outside water faucets in your house. This simple trick can save thousands in repairs, and save you from an embarrassing call to Flansburg Construction about water damage.
Keep an ice-melting solution on hand
Having a solution to melt ice quickly in a pinch can be a lifesaver on cold mornings. One homemade solution is simply a 1 to 1 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol. Shake the mixture vigorously and then spray it liberally on your car windows or the sidewalk and watch the ice melt away effortlessly. Most hardware stores will stock premade solutions for this purpose.
Consider upgrading your windows
Windows are the primary culprit of most heat leakage in modern homes. For newer houses, a bit of caulk or a weatherproofing treatment is adequate to keep heat loss to a minimum. For older houses, it might be worthwhile to call Flansburg Construction and ask about replacing them with double-paned windows, which are much more heat efficient.
To learn more about Flansburg Construction or to book a consultation, call 609-528-0848 or contact us online today!