How to Winterize the Exterior of Your Home
You’ve probably heard about winterizing the inside of your home when it gets cold out, but it’s just as important to winterize the exterior as well. From cracks that let bugs in and heat out to protecting plants, here’s a look at the steps to take to winterize your home’s exterior.
Check the Foundation for Cracks
Over time as your house settles you may find small cracks that pop up in the foundation. They may look miniscule, but offer more than enough room for many insects that are looking for a way inside a warm home this winter. Likewise if you have a brick home or stone façade check the mortar for cracks. It’s best to seal up any questionable spots with expanding foam filler or mortar even if they’re hairline cracks.
Insulate the Exterior Plumbing
Water faucets and pipes on the outside of your house may not cause a flood, but can cause serious damage to the plumbing and cause a leak within the wall. This can happen when water that’s trapped inside the outdoor faucets and pipes freezes. As you may know, water damage can increase your chances of a termite infestation.
The surefire way to avoid this is to shut off the water to the outside faucets and let all pipes and hoses drain out. There should be a separate valve so that the water supply inside isn’t affected. The other option is to use insulate covers on the faucets and insulating wrap and/or tape on the pipes.
Check the Roof for Damage
The roof may not be easily accessible to humans, but for many pests getting up to the top of your home is no problem. If there are missing or damaged shingles it can be an easy entrance into your warm home. Roof damage can also allow heat to leak out of your home, wasting energy and money in the process. Fix any places where shingles are loose, missing or damaged.
Inspect the Chimney
While you’re up on the roof inspect around the chimney if you have one. Look for cracks in the mortar, loose flashing around the chimney base and make sure the cap is fastened securely in place. If you plan to use your fireplace it’s best to have a professional inspection to keep pests out of your chimney.
Protect Plants and Outdoor Accessories
Some plants will naturally die back in the winter while others have to weather the cold if they want to survive to see next spring. You can help increase your plants’ odds of survival by covering them with old blankets or plastic sheeting when the temperatures drop below freezing. Something else that you’ll want to do is get rid of dead tree limbs and cut back any foliage that’s making contact with your home.
It’s also important to cover outdoor furniture and drain water from fountains so they don’t freeze.
Check Exterior Vents
If exterior vents are opened go ahead and close them up tight for the winter. If you notice that there is damage it’s best to get the vent fixed so it can be shut properly.
Look for Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Around windows and doors is where most leaks occur. Carefully examine the exterior portion of all windows and doors, including the seals of sliding doors. Use rope caulk around the trim of windows and weather stripping around doors wherever you see gaps.
Regular pest control can also help to keep bugs away from the exterior of your home during the winter. If you live in central Alabama give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. a call to learn more about how our services can keep your home pest-free when it’s cold out.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-improvement/winterize-exterior-home/