Typically we hear the word 'winterize' and think of a home that will be vacant for the winter and will require draining pipes of any water, opening up all faucets, shutting off gas to the water heater, etc. Though it's certainly important to winterize a vacant home, it is equally as important to winterize your occupied home. Below is a short list of items that may be addressed before winter fully sets in.
*Check weather stripping around all exterior doors. If daylight can be seen coming in around a door, you may need to replace or add to your weather stripping; however, the door may be warped, the threshold may be set too low, or the door sweep may need adjustment. Suggest beginning with weatherstripping and see if this solves the problem. Check for drafts around windows and doors. There are a few ways to do this, depending on your preferences. Using a damp hand, run your hand around the edges of the doors and windows. If your damp hand feels cooler in a section, there is likely a draft there. Another way to check for drafts in these areas could be using a stick of incense. If the smoke is pulled out or pushed inward, there is likely a draft in that area. If you discover gaps, air sealing is recommended. This can be done through caulking in some areas or adding weather stripping in others. Below is an inspection photo of a warped door, weather stripping missing at the bottom of the door jamb, and a door sweep that could use some adjustment. Light can be seen peeking through between the bottom of the door and the side of the door sweep.
*Have the heating system serviced. This service is best to have done annually. Recommend requesting before and after photos of the unit and the service(s) performed. This information will be helpful as a record of maintenance and getting to know your appliance(s) (appliances may be in inaccessible areas to you). Below is an inspection photograph of a condensate tray from a high efficiency furnace located in an attic. There should not be condensate sitting in the drain pan. The condensate should be evacuated through the drain lines ((PVC) white pipes seen) to an outside location. Should the drain pan overflow, the condensate can damage the sheathing that is the attic 'floor' which is also above the ceiling of the interior spaces of the home. This could be a costly repair if left unattended.
As well, if you have an A/C (air conditioning) unit outside, this is a good time to have it winterized as well. By covering the unit this will help to keep unwanted debris out. Covers can typically be purchased at local hardware stores.
*Insulate Plumbing lines. Exposed water lines such as hose bibs, irrigation systems, main water supply to the house, supply and outlet for water heater, washing machine, and any plumbing running through crawlspaces and attics should be insulated. If you are unable to get to these areas yourself, call Burke Home Inspections or a trusted bonded handyman so these items don't go without attention. Frozen pipes can burst, creating an expensive and messy situation. Insulation is not a guarantee against freezing pipes; however, it is a measure that reduces the chances of such. Below is an inspection photo of an exterior insulated hose bib and water line.
*Add insulation where needed. Adding insulation to an attic that has little to no insulation is typically a good idea. What type of insulation and how much you ask? There are many types of insulation and it depends on your home's needs. A qualified insulation company can assist with the correct determination. Sacramento (and most of California) is Zone 3 on the climate map. This means that an R-value (how much resistance the insulation has to heat flow) of 30-60 is required. If having insulation put in, recommend pre and post photos with a measuring guide placed in the insulation for observable R-value. Below is an inspection photo of cellulose attic insulation installed with a measuring guide inserted down into the insulation.
Below is an inspection photo of attic insulation installed incorrectly. Insulation in paper bags strewn throughout an attic is not desirable installation.
Below is a link that may be helpful when considering insulation materials
What is R-value? Check out the link below
*Clean and Flush Gutters & Downspouts. Last week's blog discussed roof systems and the importance of cleaning gutters. By having gutters cleaned and flushed, any blockages, leaks, or poor drainage should be observable. Any shortcomings, such as downspouts expelling too close to the foundation, can be addressed by qualified professionals.
*Clear the Roof. Remove all debris from the roof. If this is not a task that you are able to manage (climbing ladders and walking roofs is dangerous), call Burke Home Inspections or a trusted bonded handyman for assistance. Having roof penetrations (any projections coming out of or going into your roof are considered roof penetrations) inspected for proper sealing of vents and functional flashing will help ensure your roof is performing correctly. If you are unable to check these items call Burke Home Inspections or a licensed and bonded roofing company to inspect your roof system. Below is an inspection photo of tree debris in a roof valley (orange arrow) and moss on the northern slope.
*If you have a chimney, have your chimney cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep. Yes, even if you have a gas stove or pellet stove those appliances should be cleaned and serviced annually to ensure proper function. Chimneys and venting can become damaged, dirty, and develop leaks. Combustion pollutants (leftover from burned fuels) such as CO (carbon monoxide) can develop with damaged, dirty vents. CO is an odorless gas that can be deadly, leaking into living spaces if damage to heating appliances goes undetected. Have your chimney and fireplace, whether gas, wood or pellet, inspected and serviced at least annually by a qualified chimney sweep. Recommend having this service performed in the springtime, as these companies get very busy in the winter months.
*Fire Alarms, Smoke Alarms, & Carbon Monoxide Alarms are critical for your and your home's safety. Check these systems monthly to be certain they are functioning properly. Change batteries at least annually. If your system is hard-wired into your home, there are battery backups installed. If you hear beeping, change the battery. This is a component of home maintenance that is so often overlooked and can have cataclysmic effects when not working correctly. Quick tip: With a black permanent marker, write the date of the battery install on the battery, mark your calendar with that date, then go forward in your calendar 11 months and make a note to change the batteries again. Changing all batteries at the same time will reduce reminders. If nothing else is done to your home to prepare for winter, it's of immense importance to act on this item. If you are unable to install battery operated units on your own and need assistance doing so, call your local fire department (Non-Emergency number). Below are a few links to local departments in the Nevada/Placer County areas.
Auburn Fire Department:
Grass Valley Fire Department:
Nevada City Fire Department:
Below is a link that may be helpful in learning more about fire safety.
*Seal Crawlspace Vents. By placing rigid foam in crawlspace vents, this will help to reduce drafts in the winter which in turn will help reduce the liklihood of pipes in the crawlspace from freezing. Insulation can be removed in the springtime to allow ventilation through the crawlspace during summer months. If you are up for a bigger project, venting that can be opened and closed from the exterior can be purchased and installed. If you would like crawlspace vents insulated for the winter and removed in the late spring, though are unable to do this, call Burke Home Inspections or a trusted bonded handyman.
Below is a link that may provide you with additional information on crawlspace venting.
Below is an inspection photo of a crawlspace vent that is open during summer. These vents can be insulated from inside the crawlspace for winter.
The next post will be after the holiday. Should you have a Christmas tree in your home, whether faux or natural, please remember to unplug lights any time the tree will be un-attended.
~Happy Holidays~
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