Winter can be a devastating season, especially for your home. It’s a time for winter storms and cold breezes that can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. It’s estimated that winter storms cost homeowners about $15 billion in insurance damages last 2021, and experts believe it will only worsen over the years.
Home improvements are crucial before the winter season to protect your home from the elements. Here are four essential home improvements that you need to make before winter:
Insulation
It’s estimated that the average winter temperature in the United States is around 67 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a significant drop from spring’s average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The best way to keep your home warm during winter is to ensure it’s properly insulated.
One of the best ways to insulate your home is by using insulation panels. Here are some great insulation panels for your home:
Rockwool
Sustainability is essential when it comes to insulation. That’s why you can never go wrong with using a Rockwool insulation panel in your home. It’s made of stone wool, a sustainable and natural material. Rockwool is an excellent insulator because it has low thermal conductivity. That means it doesn’t allow heat to escape quickly, keeping your home warm during winter. Another great thing about Rockwool is that it’s fire-resistant. That’s crucial in case of accidents since winter is the peak season for house fires.
Polystyrene
If you’re looking for an insulation panel that’s both durable and affordable, then polystyrene is the way to go. It’s one of the most common types of insulation used in homes because it’s so versatile.
Polystyrene panels are great for walls, floors, and ceilings. They’re also easy to install, so you can do it yourself without hiring a professional.
Foam Board
Foam board insulation is another excellent choice for your home. It’s made of rigid foam, which makes it an excellent insulator. Foam board is also easy to install so that you can do it yourself without any professional help.
Window Insulation
Another essential home improvement you need to make before winter is to insulate your windows. Windows are one of the most common places where heat escapes from homes. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure they’re properly insulated to keep your home warm during winter.
There are several ways you can insulate your windows, such as:
Window film
Window film is an excellent way to insulate your windows, and it’s a thin film that you can apply to your window glass. In addition, it reflects heat into your home, keeping it warm during winter.
Foam insulation
Another great way to insulate your windows is by using foam insulation. Foam insulation is a type of insulation that’s made of rigid foam. It works by filling the gaps around your window so that heat can’t escape.
Blinds and shades
Blinds and shades are a great alternative if you don’t want to use window film or foam insulation. They work by blocking the sun’s rays from entering your home. That means less heat enters your home, keeping it warm during winter.
Roofing
Your roof is one of the essential parts of your home. It’s estimated that the average roof lasts for about 20 years. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it regularly for damages. Winter is the best time to do so because it’s when roofs are most vulnerable to damage.
Do a visual inspection of your roof and look for any cracks or missing shingles. If you see any damage, you must repair it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get.
You can either repair the damage yourself or hire a professional. Either way, it’s crucial to fix it before winter to protect your home from the elements.
Gutters
Your gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. That’s because they channel water away from your home, preventing it from seeping into your foundation.
The gutters are more vulnerable to damage during winter because of the snow and ice. That’s why it’s essential to check them regularly and clean them out if necessary.
You can either clean your gutters yourself or hire a professional. Either way, it’s crucial to do it before winter to protect your home from water damage.
Heating System
Your heating system is one of the essential parts of your home during winter. That’s why you must ensure it’s in good working condition before the cold weather sets in.
The best way to do this is to have a professional inspect your heating system. They can identify any potential problems and fix them before they become an issue.
You should also ensure you’re using the right fuel for your heating system. For example, if you have a gas furnace, you must use natural gas. On the other hand, if you have an electric furnace, you need to use electricity.
Using the wrong fuel type can damage your heating system and cause it to break down.
Winter can lead to some challenging times for your family. However, making these essential home improvements can make your family’s life much easier. So don’t wait. Make these changes now before winter hits your state!
