Weatherproofing Your Home Before Winter

Whether you live in Colorado or Connecticut, winter brings cooler temperatures and it can help the efficiency of your home if you weatherproof and winterize! Here are a few things you’ll want to do – or bring TruBlue in to do – before winter is in full force.

Doors and Windows: Take a look at your doors and windows, especially around the edges. If you feel any cool air coming into your house, look at adding weatherstripping or caulk around the problem areas. If the issue is with the windows themselves, especially if they aren’t on the front of your house, you might want to think about insulating them with plastic film. It doesn’t look great unless you get it perfectly installed, but it does work and it’s easy to remove later.

Gutters and Downspouts: The fall can be tough on your roofing system, but especially on your gutters and downspouts. It’s important to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear, not only to ensure that water can drain properly (and away from your house) but also to make sure they aren’t carrying unnecessary weight ahead of any substantial snowfall.

Heating Systems and Chimneys: Even if you’ve already been running the heat or having fires in your fireplace, this is a good time to have both your heating system and your chimney inspected, cleaned and, if necessary, repaired. It’s always better to have this kind of work done when it’s not an emergency and no one wants to be without heat in January!

In addition to these three main areas, now is a good time to walk the exterior of your home for any cracks or foundation issues and to have your roof inspected. If you need help with this or any of our weatherproofing or winterizing suggestions, contact your local TruBlue to get started.

This is also a good time for you to make sure you’re prepared too! If you live in an area that gets ice or snow, make sure you have a snow shovel, ice scraper and salt on hand. This is also a good time to check and refresh your emergency kit. Here’s what the Department of Homeland Security suggests you have in your kit: www.ready.gov/kit.