As winter approaches, homeowners know that snow-packed roofs and sub-zero temperatures are just around the corner along with menacing winter storms. Winterizing your home now can help avoid costly maintenance and repair next spring. CertainTeed, North America’s largest brand of building products offers a few tips on how to protect your home from the elements and stay cozy and dry this winter season.
Conduct an energy audit. Many utility companies will conduct free energy audits. After a walk through of your home, they will provide detailed recommendations to help you know where to make improvements to keep warm air in, and cold air out, this winter.
Insulate. Adding extra insulation will keep your home warm. Attics, especially, are often under-insulated. The attic should have at least 12-inches of insulation. InsulSafe(R) SP, a fiberglass blowing insulation from CertainTeed, is a good choice that will last throughout the life of the home and reduce energy costs. This insulation also qualifies for federal energy tax credits.
Prevent Ice Dams. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof causing backed up water that can leak into the home. Ventilating the attic will remove heat and keep the roof deck evenly cool to prevent melting. Installing a protective waterproofing shingle underlayment such as WinterGuard(TM) from CertainTeed before shingles are applied will protect your home against leaks from ice dams.
Seal possible leak locations. Start with the fireplace, electrical outlets, and door and window frames. Sealing leaks by caulking or weather-stripping is one of the easiest, fastest and most cost-effective improvements homeowners can make to protect their homes against chilly weather.
Prevent plumbing freezes. Start with locating your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency. Then, insulate exposed plumping pipes and if you go on vacation for the holidays be sure to leave your heat on to at least 55 degrees.
Change furnace filters. Dirty filters have to work harder and will raise heating costs during the winter. Depending on what kind of filter you have, it should be changed between one and three months. Go to website (link) to find out what’s right for your filter.
Leverage the sun’s rays. To help keep warm, keep curtains drawn on south and west facing windows during the day to help warm your home with natural heat from the sun.
Brace for impact. When it comes time to replace your roof, be sure your home is prepared with impact resistant roofing shingles. Tested to withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball being dropped from 20 feet in the air, Presidential Shake(TM) Impact Resistant (IR) Shingles by CertainTeed are an ideal product for homeowners living with the frequent threat of hail and harsh weather.
Start at the bottom. Another way to stay warm this year can be found at the foundation. The EnergyEdge(R) system, by CertainTeed provides increased comfort and a new way to reduce energy bills. When the system is installed on the exposed slab edge of the home, homeowners can save 10 percent or more in heating costs.
Install a programmable thermostat. To keep warm while at home, but save money while you’re out, install a programmable thermostat that will reduce heating during the day.
