Michigan winters are brutal. For about three months in the year, the average high temperatures are in the mid-thirties. You can minimize your energy bills by weatherproofing ahead of time. Check out these weatherproofing tips for winter, courtesy of McLean Roofing and Siding.
Caulk the Windows and Doorways
Caulk is a cheap and easy to apply. Go around your house and check the sealant for all exterior doors and windows. Make sure you’re using caulk for exterior surfaces when working outside. On the inside, you can use interior window caulk.
Pull off the old caulking before applying a new strip. This will ensure a proper seal all around. Use your finger to lightly press each line of caulk in place. Then wipe the excess with a damp rag.
If your windows are old, you may consider replacing them. This is more expensive than caulk, but it can drastically reduce your energy bills. The replacement windows will quickly pay for themselves. Contact McLean Roofing and Siding if you’d like a quote for new windows or roofing: (248) 524-1111.
Add Weather Stripping around Your Doors, Including the Garage
Weather stripping works much like caulk, but it’s made for doorways. Caulk cannot seal something that is constantly opening, but weather stripping can. It fills the gap between the door and the doorframe to limit air flow. Check the weather strips around all of your exterior doors, as well as your garage door.
Get a Roof Inspection to Check for Repairs
Your roof is the most important weatherproofing feature on your home. If it’s not in good shape, you’re wasting money on winter heating bills. Schedule a roof inspection to check for leaks, and complete repairs as necessary. For older roofs or roofs with multiple layers of shingles, it may be best to get a completely new roof before winter.
Beef up Your Attic Insulation
Your attic insulation preserves your indoor climate. As a general rule, you shouldn’t be able to see the joists in your attic. If your insulation is that thin, it’s time to upgrade. Thicker insulation will boost your home’s energy efficiency, once again saving you money.
Proper insulation will prevent ice dams, which are common in Michigan winters. Ice dams are chunks of ice that form as snow melts on your roof. The snow turns to liquid, only to refreeze before it reaches the bottom. This water can get under your shingles or create heavy hazards on your roofing. Insulation creates a shield between your warm attic and cold exterior so the underlayer of snow doesn’t melt too early.
Clean Your Gutters at the End of Fall
Gutters carry rain and melted snow away from your home’s foundation. If the gutters are clogged, the water may sit on the roof or fly right off the edge.
Most homeowners should clean their gutters at least twice per year. This includes a cleaning before fall and one at the end of autumn. The latter session is most crucial for winter weatherproofing. Clear the leaves from your gutters before the snow hits so it has somewhere to go when it melts.