{"id":3207,"date":"2017-11-10T09:30:36","date_gmt":"2017-11-10T13:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dankrell.com\/blog\/?p=3207"},"modified":"2017-11-10T09:30:36","modified_gmt":"2017-11-10T13:30:36","slug":"winter-ready-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dankrell.com\/blog\/2017\/11\/10\/winter-ready-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter ready home"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Winter<\/a>
Be Winter Ready (infographic from cdc.gov)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After several years of brutal winter weather, we were given a reprieve of mild weather last year.\u00a0 The warm weather trend has moved into the fall with some balmy days.\u00a0 But you shouldn\u2019t become complacent thinking that winter weather is a long way off.\u00a0 Yes, it\u2019s the time of year to take stock in your home<\/a> and prepare for winter.\u00a0 Is your home winter ready?<\/p>\n

Of course, at the center of your winter ready home is the comfort your heating system delivers<\/a>.\u00a0 Regardless of the type of heating system you have, have a licensed a licensed professional inspect your home\u2019s furnace.\u00a0 The inspection can identify any issues that can cause your furnace to be inefficient and\/or fail.\u00a0 The inspection can also root out potential safety issues, such as carbon monoxide buildup.\u00a0 If the system does not need to be repaired or replaced, the HVAC professional will tune the furnace to optimize the its performance.<\/p>\n

Another thought for being winter ready is the fireplace<\/a>.\u00a0 Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook fireplace and chimney maintenance.\u00a0 However, putting off fireplace and chimney maintenance can become a safety issue.\u00a0 Wood burning fireplaces should be cleaned, inspected, and repaired if necessary.\u00a0 Gas fireplaces require a licensed technician to inspect the pilot and electronics in the firebox.\u00a0 Both wood and gas fireplaces require flue and chimney maintenance.\u00a0 Creosote buildup can combust and cause a chimney fire.\u00a0 Birds and other animals or debris can lodge in the chimney and prevent proper venting.\u00a0 Defective fireplaces or improperly vented fireplaces can produce excess carbon monoxide in your home, which can be deadly.<\/p>\n

You’re not winter ready unless you’re prepared for emergencies<\/a>.\u00a0 Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, replace them if necessary.\u00a0 If your heating system and\/or fireplace burns liquid, solid, or gas fuel, then you need to have carbon monoxide detectors installed.\u00a0 Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless and tasteless and prolonged exposure can result in brain damage and death.\u00a0 Experts recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, primarily near bedrooms.<\/p>\n

Hose bibs are often ignored because many people don\u2019t use them, or are not aware of how to maintain them.\u00a0 However, hose bibs that are not winter ready are probably the number one source of winter pipe leaks<\/a>.\u00a0 If not winterized properly, the pipes leading to the hose bibs can freeze and expand.\u00a0 This expansion can cause the pipe to burst, creating an unwanted winter leak.\u00a0 If you\u2019ve never winterized the hose bibs, or are not sure how, contact a licensed plumber.\u00a0 Attempting to operate pipe valves that have been idle or not operated in a while can create or exacerbate an undetected leak.<\/p>\n

Make sure your home’s roof system<\/a> is winter ready.\u00a0 Have a licensed professional inspect your home\u2019s roof.\u00a0 If shingles are not secure, melting and freezing snow can create ice dams.\u00a0 Ice dams can lift and dislodge shingles allowing water to penetrate your home.\u00a0 Water penetration from ice dams can cause damage to your home\u2019s interior.\u00a0 Besides damaging ceilings, water penetration can also damage walls and windows.<\/p>\n

While your roof is being checked out, inspect the roof flashing, gutters and downspouts.\u00a0 Roof flashing is often ignored, however is as important as shingles.\u00a0 Roof flashing is used to transition from shingles (or other roofing) to other materials (such as brick, metal or PVC).\u00a0 The flashing prevents water to leak between the roof and chimney or vent pipes.<\/p>\n

Clean and repair clogged gutters and blocked downspouts.\u00a0 Poorly maintained gutters and downspouts won\u2019t allow for proper drainage of water from snow and rain.\u00a0 Improper drainage can allow water to penetrate the foundation, creating structural and mold issues.<\/p>\n

Preparing for winter<\/a> will reduce the probability of having surprises.\u00a0 Being winter ready will allow you to enjoy the winter months in your own winter wonderland.<\/p>\n

Copyright\u00a9 Dan Krell
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\nDisclaimer<\/a>. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After several years of brutal winter weather, we were given a reprieve of mild weather last year.\u00a0 The warm weather trend has moved into the fall with some balmy days.\u00a0 But you shouldn\u2019t become complacent thinking that winter weather is a long way off.\u00a0 Yes, it\u2019s the time of year to take stock in your … <\/p>\n

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