While everyone prepares for the biggest holiday of the year, home maintenance should come on top of the list of preparation. This is particularly when winter season kicks in already.
Realty Biz News states that despite the holiday season there is a need to do some maintenance and inspection when the snow starts to fall. Understanding the insulation of your new home by keeping the heat in and the energy consumption low is a must.
One way to find out if one has a heat loss problem is by observing the melting rate of the snow on the roof versus the one on the ground. The snow on the roof should not melt faster than the one on the ground. If so, you do have a problem with your insulation. One should also take special note of the portions or patches of snow on the roof where it seems to be melting much faster than the other parts of the roof. This would indicate uneven heat distribution. Another indicator is the quick formation on roofline icicles that doesn't thaw.
If a home is old and hasn't been updated there is a tendency that it may have less insulation than the newer ones. Knowing how to keep the heat at a certain level even if one is out may help keep their house in order once they do come home. One tip is to keep the faucets at a slow drip when the heat is turned off. If energy consumption cost is not an essential concern then keeping the inside at 55 degrees will ensure that the water pipes don't freeze up.
Build Direct shares more about energy efficiency, caring for the roof, staying warm and safe during winter. If there is notable loss of heat on the roof, perpendicularly laying batts to the rafters can be done to cover any gaps. Caulking around plumbing vents and light fixtures can also be done to prevent heat loss.
If there is too snowfall on the roof, one should make sure to remove otherwise it might cave in. one should be on the lookout for major leaks, interior doors popping open or sticking out, loud cracking/popping sounds, sagging ceiling joists, and cracked walls are one of the few signs that the roof is taking too much weight than it normally should. There are specified weight limits to roofs in building codes.
When snow accumulates more than 6" the excess snow should be removed. The use of a snow rake is recommended. Remember to leave a few inches of snow for insulation and this will also prevent the roof from the damage due to the raking. If a roof is too high for a DIY kind of thing then hiring an insured professional with the right tools, with the right experience is advised. Safety is the key.
What do you think about doing the raking and shoveling yourself during winter? How about sharing tips about winter home maintenance? Share your opinions in the comment box below.
