Winter is on it's way, and for mid-Missouri that means cold temperatures, wind, snow, ice and warm coats. Earlier this fall we made some maintenance suggestions for those in-between temps, and now it's time to prepare your home for whatever old man winter has in store. Midwest Renovations is your trusted professional contractor for help with any problems you may find while completing this checklist or anything you're unable to do yourself - safety first! Keep these tips in mind and remember, our team offers free consultations and estimates and is ready to assist in all your residential construction needs.

Prepare Your Home For Winter With These Tips

1. Prevent ice dams

It's impossible to predict a Missouri winter but it's best to be prepared. Mid-Missouri has often been the victim of cold winters with lots of icicles, or worse, ice dams. Ice dams can cause melting water to back up and flow into your house if not taken care of. You can take steps to prevent potential damage this year by identifying air leaks and inadequate insulation in your home's attic that can lead to ice dams. 

2. Stop the breeze

As the temperatures have cooled in recent weeks, have you felt a cold breeze where one shouldn't be? Take action in early winter as soon as you notice a problem. Check and repair caulking around doors and windows and anywhere something penetrates a wall, like outside faucets and vents. Seal any cracks in foundation walls and check weather stripping on doors and windows. Fix these issues and you may even notice a boost in your home's energy efficiency. 

3. Prune trees around the house

If there are long tree branches hanging near your house, your roof, or your gutters, prune them before it gets too cold. Heavy snow and ice can cause branches to break causing damage to your home. A few hours with the pruner now could save your roof and your pocket book later this winter. 

4. Have your fireplace cleaned

It's time - that fireplace is begging to be turned on but first, if you haven't done so yet, have your fireplace cleaned by a certified technician. Regular cleaning is a necessary safety measure for wood burning fireplaces and wood stoves. Buildup inside the chimney can potentially cause a fire place. Gas fireplaces should be checked as well, there could be debris blocking the chimney that you will need removed prior to using the fireplace. 

5. Check batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors

This is especially important during winter, when windows are kept closed and fireplaces and wood stoves are used more often. Take a look around and ensure that each room is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check detectors monthly and change batteries as needed. 

6. Protect pipes from freezing

Burst pipes can cause serious water damage that can be inconvenient AND expensive. Thankfully, you can do something to help protect your pipes from freezing in bitter winter weather. Don't turn down the heat too much when you're out of the house, your pipes need the heat to prevent freezing. Give your home a once over or any exposed or vulnerable piping, and wrap them with insulation. 

7. Secure your supplies

Don't wait for the first winter storm to restock cold weather essentials, like salt or ice melt. Take a look at your winter weather supplies such as shovels, a roof rake, and gas tanks. 

Considering this checklist can help provide information so you can prepare for winter. We know sometimes, you can't tackle all your home's concerns alone and mid-Missouri's premier renovation company is just a call away. If you have construction needs, we can be reached at 866-230-5415 and will be ready to send an experienced team member to evaluate and solve your problem.