As the crisp New England air starts to settle in, it’s time to prepare your home for the unpredictable weather in Massachusetts. From heavy rains to chilly winds, the fall season can put your house to the test. It can bring a slew of potential problems for your house, problems that will prove difficult and costly to manage if the proper protective precautions are not taken. Here are some weatherproofing tips to help keep your home warm, dry, and energy-efficient as the leaves begin to turn.
Storm-Proof Your Doors and Windows
While autumn storms in Massachusetts aren’t as severe as winter blizzards, strong winds and rain can still do damage. People, especially in Massachusetts, often turn their heat on during the fall, and storm doors and windows are great at keeping heat in the house. So bring your storm doors and windows out of storage and get them installed.
Even with the storm doors and windows installed, you should still inspect your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks. A simple tube of caulk or weatherstripping can work wonders to seal those leaks, preventing cold air from creeping in and your heating bills from soaring. Press adhesive-backed closed-cell foam onto the bottom sash of the window. Apply foam strips to the sides and tops of doors, and on the bottom add a door sweep. Keep your home safe and energy-efficient, so you no longer have to pay for heat escaping your house.
Check and Clean Your Gutters
A properly pitched gutter is the difference between your basement staying dry and looking like a swimming pool. Your gutters should have a slope between 1/6 inch and 1/8 inch per foot, allowing water to run to the leader and out of the downspout. You can examine the pitch by holding a level even with the gutter and pouring water in and check the flow’s direction. Any warps or pools of the gutters will be exacerbated with the rain and falling leaves.
In addition, falling leaves can quickly clog your gutters, leading to water backups and even roof damage. Before the heavy rains come, clear out your gutters and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. This step is crucial to avoid water damage and flooding in your basement.
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Clean Cooling Devices
Remove all window AC units when the temperature drops. Make sure to vacuum the coils and filters while storing them in a cool and dry place. Don’t forget to cover them to keep out dust and bugs. You should also wipe down all fans with a microfiber cloth. Nice spring and summer you’ll want to install your AC immediately, and this will avoid rust or unpleasant smells spewing out along with the cold air. Also make sure to switch the rotation of ceiling fans to clockwise so that they push warm air down.
Inspect Your Roof and Add Insulation
Autumn in Massachusetts can be a beautiful time, but the season also brings heavy rains and, occasionally, early snowfall. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against these elements, so making sure it’s in top shape is crucial.
Start by visually inspecting your roof for any signs of wear and tear. Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles, as these can allow water to seep into your home, leading to leaks and potential damage to your attic and ceilings. Pay attention to your roof’s valleys where water and snow naturally funnel. If the shingles in these areas are damaged, it can lead to leaks that are harder to spot until it’s too late.
A proactive roof inspection and maintenance can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home is well-protected from the unpredictable Massachusetts weather. If you aren’t sure you can do the inspection yourself, hire a professional roofing contractor to do a thorough inspection. They can look for less obvious signs of damage, such as weakened flashing around chimneys and vents, or areas where moss and algae may be growing, which can deteriorate your shingles over time. They can also check to make sure your home has proper insulation so you keep the heat in and the cold out.
Service Your Heating System
Check to make sure your heating system is working and prepared to be heavily utilized throughout the long winter season. Don’t push off testing your heating season before it’s too late! A proper heating system is a necessity for your home this fall and winter. Give your system a quick test run to make sure it’s operating properly.
If the system is doesn’t work as expected, schedule a professional HVAC inspection. You don’t want to discover a malfunction during the first cold snap! Regular maintenance will ensure your heating system runs efficiently all season long.
Weatherproof Outdoor Faucets and Pipes
As fall progresses in Massachusetts, temperatures can drop suddenly, putting your outdoor faucets and pipes at risk of freezing. When water in your pipes freezes, it expands. This pressure can cause the pipes to burst, leading to costly water damage and plumbing repairs. Weatherproofing your outdoor faucets and exposed pipes before the cold sets in can prevent major damage to your home.
Start by disconnecting and storing any garden hoses. Leaving hoses attached can trap water in the faucet, which increases the risk of freezing. Once the hose is removed, drain the faucet completely by shutting off the water supply to any outdoor spigots. Most Massachusetts homes have a shut-off valve for outdoor faucets inside the house—close this valve, then open the outdoor faucet to let any remaining water drain out.
Next, consider installing an outdoor faucet cover. These are inexpensive, easy to install, and provide a layer of insulation that protects the faucet from freezing temperatures. For extra protection, wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation. This is especially important for pipes that run through unheated areas, such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements.
If you want a more long-term solution, think about installing frost-free faucets. These faucets are designed with a built-in shut-off valve that sits deeper inside your home, where it stays warmer, reducing the risk of freezing.
Check Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Although this isn’t a weatherproofing task, as the colder months approach in Massachusetts and you start using your furnace, fireplace, and other heating systems, it’s critical to ensure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in proper working order.
Carbon monoxide is a silent, odorless gas that can be deadly, and its risk increases with the use of heating appliances. Smoke detectors are equally important, as the chances of fire hazards also rise with fireplaces and additional electrical use during fall and winter. Test each detector by pressing the “test” button and replace batteries if needed. For added peace of mind, replace detectors that are more than 10 years old. A quick check now can save lives, offering protection for your family and home throughout the season.
Start Now to Weatherproof Your Home
To maintain your house throughout the seasons and for help weatherproofing your house for the winter, talk to our expert team of home improvement professionals. You can request a free estimate and we will be happy to explain what you can and should do to protect your house. Our expert services cover all aspects of roofing from minor repairs and ventilation to full replacement of both commercial and residential buildings.
By taking a few simple steps, you can weatherproof your home and enjoy a cozy, comfortable autumn in Massachusetts. Get ahead of the seasonal changes now, and you’ll thank yourself when the first chilly breeze rolls through!