Steps You Can Take Now to Prepare for Winter in Ann Arbor, MI
Predictions show that our area is in for a colder-than-normal winter this year. You know to bundle yourself up before a winter storm, but do you know if your home will be protected when cold weather comes our way? Knowing how to prepare for winter can make all the difference in preventing winter storm damage.
If you’re not sure where to begin, we can help. Continue reading to learn our top winter preparation tips.
Clean Your Gutters
One of the most important things you can do before winter is to clean out your gutters. Since we live in an area that gets plenty of snow, it’s only a matter of time before that snow starts weighing down your gutters.
ull away from the side of your home, no longer working effectively. Help prevent this by cleaning out any debris before the next snowstorm.
If you’re sick of cleaning your gutters throughout the year, consider installing Gutter Helmet, which prevents clogs and debris so you don’t have to do the work yourself.
Check for Potential Issues
Next, take a look at your roof and gutters to see if you can spot any issues. Stand on the ground and use a pair of binoculars to look closely at and around your roof. Do you see any of the following?
- Missing or broken shingles
- Curling or blistering shingles
- Cracked or sagging gutters
If so, your home could be at risk. Missing or damaged shingles means your roof is susceptible to leaks the next time it rains or snows. Cracked or sagging gutters are also cause for concern because it means they won’t be able to divert water away from your home.
Take care of these issues now before they lead to more serious problems later.
Caulk Doors and Windows
Next, head inside and check your doors and windows to see if any drafts are coming inside. To do this, hold a lighter up near them. If the flame blows out, cold air is coming into your home and warm air is escaping it.
Fortunately, this is a fairly easy fix. Just take a trip to your local hardware store to pick up some caulk. Then, apply a thin line of new caulk around the edges of your doors and windows to seal them properly. The result is a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
Consider Installing Heated Gutters
Finally, you might want to think about upgrading to heated gutters now, before the winter weather gets here. When snow and ice melt on your roof, the water runs down, refreezing again once it reaches the eaves. When this happens, it forms ice dams, which can clog your gutters and damage your roof.
Help prevent this by installing Helmet Heat, a self-regulating heating cable along with a Gutter Helmet system to help reduce the amount of ice build-up on your roof to keep your home protected.
We Can Help You Prepare for Winter
Now that you know how to prepare for winter, it’s time to get to work! If you don’t want to take all of this on yourself, our team at Atlas Home Improvement is here to help. As your local gutter expert, we can come out to inspect your gutters, show you the latest gutter technology designed to make your life easier, and replace them for you.
Contact us today to request a free quote.
