The weather is getting colder, and the days are getting shorter. This means that winter is on its way! One of the most important things to do during the winter is to make sure that your home’s foundation stays healthy. If you take care of your foundation, it will care for you. In this blog post, we will discuss how to keep your home’s foundation healthy during the winter.
Get an energy audit for your attic: One of the best ways to keep your home’s foundation healthy during the winter is to get an energy audit for your attic. An energy audit will help you identify any problems with your attic that could be causing heat loss. If your attic isn’t properly insulated, it can let heat escape from your home. This can cause your foundation to become weak and unstable. Make sure to insulate your attic properly to keep the heat in and protect your foundation.
Check your gutters: Another essential thing to check during the winter is your gutters. Gutters play a crucial role in keeping water away from your foundation. If water builds up around your foundation, it can weaken the soil and cause damage to your home’s foundation. Make sure to keep your gutters clean so that they can do their job properly.
Insulate your home: Another way to keep your home’s foundation healthy during the winter is to insulate your home. Insulation helps keep heat in and cold out, which helps protect your home’s foundation. If you don’t have insulation, now is an excellent time to install it!
Check for cracks and seal them: Another thing to check for during the winter is cracks in your foundation. Cracks and holes in your home can let cold air in and warm air out. This can cause your foundation to become weak and unstable. Make sure to seal any cracks and holes in your home to keep the heat in and protect your foundation.
Start early with spring painting: One of the best ways to protect your home’s foundation is to start early with spring painting. Spring painting helps seal any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior. If you wait until summer to paint, the weather will be too hot, and it won’t be easy to do a good job. Start early and take your time to make sure that your home’s foundation is protected.
Swap your outdoor dryer vent covers: When the temperature starts to fall, your dryer vent can become a breeding ground for a possible animal infestation. Snow can accumulate on top of old hooded vents and prevent them from opening, raising the danger of carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Vents with flimsy louvers may become clogged and not open and close appropriately, causing lint to build up, resulting in dryer failure or a fire hazard. And the best way to deal with this is to swap your outdoor vent covers.
Consider getting a thermostat: One of the best ways to keep your home’s foundation healthy during the winter is getting a thermostat. A thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills by regulating the temperature in your home. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to turn off when you’re not home or asleep. This will help keep your home’s foundation healthy and save you money on your energy bills!
Check for frozen pipes: Another thing to watch for during the winter is frozen pipes. If your pipes freeze, they can burst and cause a lot of damage to your home. Make sure to check your pipes regularly during the winter to ensure that they are not frozen. If you see any signs of freezing, take action right away to prevent them from bursting.
Insulate your pipes: Another way to protect your pipes during the winter is to insulate them. Insulating your pipes can help keep them from freezing in cold weather. If you don’t have insulation, now is a good time to install it!
Pay attention to any warning signs: If you notice any warning signs that your home’s foundation is not healthy, take action right away. Warning signs can include cracks in the walls or floors, water damage, and settling or sinking of the home.
Check-in with your portable generator: If you have a portable generator, it’s essential to check in with it regularly. Ensure that the fuel is fresh and that the battery is in good condition. This is more of a general tip than one specifically linked with your foundation. If you live in an area prone to snowstorms and see a ton of heavy snowfall, it’s good to keep a portable generator and ensure that it is in good condition.
Contact a professional if anything goes wrong: Believe us, you don’t want to deal with a foundation problem in the middle of the winter. So, the best thing to do when you spot a foundation problem is to call in a foundation repair Bridgeville, PA expert. Don’t wait for the spring to do it. The earlier you phone in for a repair, the better.
So, these are some tips to help you keep your home’s foundation healthy during the winter. Make sure to start early with spring painting, swap your outdoor dryer vent covers, consider getting a thermostat, check for frozen pipes, and insulate them at all times. If you see any warning signs that your foundation is not healthy, take action. And if anything goes wrong, don’t hesitate to call in a professional!