You may be under the impression that home improvement projects are something you spend every part of the year doing except in winter. However, winter may be the best time of year to knock some things off your to-do list. Typically, builders and contractors are busiest in the spring and summer. This means that building materials will also be more expensive during those months. Avoid increased prices and book a builder or contactor easily by doing these five winter home improvement projects.
Seal Cracks Around the House
Air is constantly seeping out of your walls, windows, doors, vents, and other openings. Take the time to seal seams around windows and doors with caulk, waterproof sealant, or weather stripping. These preventive actions will not only improve your energy consumption but will lower your utility costs too. According to Energy Star, sealing leaks and cracks and adding insulation can help cut up to 15% off your heating and cooling costs each year.
By sealing cracks and seams, you also solve a list of other common problems, such as reducing outside noise, allowing for better humidity control, lessening the chances of insects and other animals from getting inside, and lowering the chance of ice dams on the roof/eves.
Insulate The Attic, Ducts, and Foundation
You can hire an insulation contractor to determine how much and what type of insulation your home needs. A general rule of thumb is that the higher the R-value or thermal resistance, the more effective the insulation is. Insulating your attic is proven to be a significant return on your investment. Not only will this project help you lower your energy bill by five to ten percent, but it’s also eligible for tax credits up to $500. Insulating your attic may seem expensive, but you can do it for less than $400.
Change Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter is a great time to turn up the heat and huddle around the fire. However, you must have the proper safety equipment on hand if something goes wrong. You should always kick off the colder months by checking and upgrading your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You should test the safety features monthly and replace them every five to seven years. Make sure to look at the expiration dates on your detectors. When it’s time to replace them, take it as an opportunity to upgrade to a newer model with better safety features.
Remove Dead Trees
If you live in a snowy or icy climate, you’ll want to get a crew out to remove any dead trees. The heavy snow and ice can easily break off limbs and branches, which not only poses a threat to your roof and home but to you as well. Winter is a great time to get a tree removal company out to your property because it’s their off season, making it easier to book someone promptly. The cold ground also makes tree removal easier. Frozen ground can keep nearby forestry and vegetation in place. This makes the removal less disruptive to the surrounding foliage and safer for the crew to remove the dead tree. You may have to wait until spring to remove the stump, but it’ll be worth it if it means protecting yourself and your home from falling debris.
Check Your Concrete and Masonry for Cracks
Cold, dry air naturally causes cracks in concrete and masonry to grow and become more prominent. It’s normal to have some cracks, but it’s better to safe than sorry. You should have a foundation repair contractor or a masonry specialist take a look. Cracks will only get worse with time. So, it’s better to catch them early than wait for disaster to strike. By sealing cracks and replacing bricks when needed, you prevent future damage that could lead to teardowns.
Ferguson Roofing Co.
Ferguson Roofing Co. is your premier roofing, gutter, and masonry specialist. From repairs to full-blown installations, we can do it all. Whether your needs are residential or commercial, we offer our high-quality services for it. To request an estimate on a project, contact us today.