3 Ways Old Man Winter Can Rob You

With Old Man Winter getting ready to grasp your home in his icy grip for the next few months, it's important to inspect your home and take steps to winterize it while the sun still shines. For some, these winterization steps are jobs you can handle yourself; for others, it might be best to call in a contractor. Here are the three most crucial areas you need to inspect and protect: Wood siding: If you have areas of your home with peeling paint, it's imperative that you get the trim, fascia and siding covered with paint before the winter freeze sets in. Pete Peterson, counter salesman for Reno Paint Mart of Nevada, cautions homeowners about letting wood go exposed for another season before repainting. "Wood acts like a wick, and water vapor travels through the wood," Peterson says. "It will form ice crystals and separate the paint from the wood." Strip peeling paint with a scraper or power washer and paint your house before the temperature drops drastically. Cold weather significantly lengthens the paint's curing and drying time, and if the paint doesn't sufficiently cure due to cold weather, the water in the paint can freeze and separate from the solids in the paint. Even brands of exterior paint designed for colder-weather applications need to be applied while temperatures are warm enough to allow the paint to properly cure. Looking for certified painting specialists? Let us help Roof and gutters: Inspecting your roof is a crucial step if you live in an area where snow builds up in the winter. Leaves and branches that stack up in valleys and crooks of the roofline hinder proper snowmelt. You also want to ensure your gutters and downspouts are free of fall debris such as leaves and branches that can inhibit their efficiency. Lastly, check all penetrations in the roofline for signs of loose or cracked caulking or damaged flashing and replace as necessary. Heating system: Your heater is your lifeline to a cozy winter. Changing or cleaning the filter for the HVAC system is an obvious first step. Second, change out an old mercury-style thermostat for a newer digital model that has programmable features. You can save a great deal of money over time by having the thermostat programmed to shut off while you are away. Lastly, have a licensed HVAC technician inspect the system for air leaks and also to clean the duct work. Consider having the technician wrap the ductwork with insulation to increase the system's efficiency. Following these three steps can help you beat Old Man Winter and prevent expensive home repairs down the road.