Tips For Winterizing Your Northern Virginia Home
Are you looking for some quick tips to help winterize your home in Northern Virginia? Living in Northern Virginia is a beautiful experience, and the fact that we get to experience all four distinct seasons is one of the aspects of this region that I appreciate the most. Despite the fact that our climate is quite pleasant, homeowners in Northern Virginia are advised to take preventative measures to winterize their homes on an annual basis due to the severity of our winters. The fact that mice prefer to burrow and seek shelter from the cold makes residences in the area susceptible and an easy target for the pests. This makes the mouse population in the area a special problem. The following is a list of my top quick ideas for winterizing your home in Northern Virginia.
It’s time to clean out those gutters.
Cleaning out your gutters is perhaps one of the chores I dislike doing the most, despite the fact that it is undoubtedly one of the most vital.
It is essential to clear any debris, leaves, filth, branches, acorns, and the like from the gutters because allowing them to grow clogged causes serious difficulties over the course of time. The primary issue arises when water runoff from the property is unable to drain properly because this causes the eaves, fascia board, siding, and roof to become weakened by moisture. This makes these soft spots an excellent target for rodents looking to burrow from the cold as well as for mothers looking to give birth to their babies.
Examine the Outer Parts of the Surfaces
Inspecting the exterior wood and trim is vital for the same reason that emptying out the gutters is important: to protect your home from the elements and other hazards that are present in the surrounding environment (and wants to get in). In order to guarantee that your windows, doors, and trim have a watertight seal, you should caulk and fix any cracks that you find around the exterior of them. In certain circumstances, weather stripping may be required, and depending on the age of your doors and windows, it may be worthwhile to invest in storm doors and storm windows if you do not already have them. In the event that weather stripping is not required, it may be necessary to instal it. Also, if the paint on your deck is peeling, think about applying a sealant. In addition, remove any moss or excess foliage from the siding and roof of the structure so that you can assist prevent buildup during the winter months when it is damper.
Be Sure to Tend to the Sprouts and the Sprinklers
It is of the utmost importance to disconnect your sprinklers and garden hoses and put them away for the winter. In addition to this, check to see that the water spouts located outside of your home are totally turned off. In addition to that, if you have a sprinkler system, you need to make sure that it is turned off as well. In keeping with the theme of coping with water, now is the time of year when you want to make sure that you do not have any leaks. This is important not only because leaking water creates weaknesses in the exterior of your home, but also because it attracts rodents because they require water to survive; therefore, it is a problem that presents itself in a twofold manner.
Bring Those Objects Inside the House.
Why risk having pricey outdoor furniture and decor ruined by the harsher winter weather by leaving it outside where it can be exposed to the elements? Either store your outdoor furniture indoors or purchase protective covers for each piece to keep it safe from the elements. If you don’t have a lot of space for storage or a lot of money to spend, another option is to store your furniture in the back of the home while covering it tightly with tarps and bungee cords. In addition, you should consider putting your grill away for the winter, or at the very least, covering it with a grill cover.
Ensure That You Stay Warm
Northern Virginia has an average temperature that is quite a little below average. At this time of year, you need to check that your chimney, fireplace, and heating system are all in good operating order so that you can use them safely. If it has been a while since your last inspection, you should probably have a professional take a look at these systems to make sure they are operating effectively and safely. This will depend on how well you keep up with inspections. You should also think about purchasing a programmable thermostat if you have not already done so. This will allow you to maximise the effectiveness of your heating system and, ideally, reduce the amount of money you spend on your monthly electric bill. Last but not least, inspect the areas of the basement and the attic to ensure that the insulation is in good condition. Also, test the areas surrounding your electrical outlets and switchplates for the presence of chilly air to make sure there are no leaks. If you suspect that cold air is entering, all you need to do to fix the issue is purchase some socket sealers and put them in place.
