Want a Worry-Free Winter?

Winter is well on its way, and let's face it, there are some home improvement projects that no one wants to tackle when the weather is frigid. Whether you're an optimistic do-it-yourself champion or prefer leaving the work to pros, these home improvement ventures can make a big difference in your home's comfort, efficiency, and safety.

1. Revamp Your Roof
   If you've noticed missing or damaged shingles or any other visible signs of extreme wear on your roof, now's the time to take care of the problem, and a small leak when it rains only means there is a problem overhead which will get much worse over time. You may not need to replace your entire roof, and addressing damaged areas now will ensure that the added weight of ice and snow this winter won't compound the problem.
   
   
2. Check Your Deck
   Just like your roof, your deck is under pressure to perform, especially when winter weather strikes. Areas that are already distressed or beginning to warp or rot are super susceptible to further damage and can be a real safety concern during the winter. Even if your deck is in good structural condition, it may have a buildup from several seasons of weather which could leave the surface slick and unsafe. Cleaning, treating, and painting it now will help avoid accidents this winter.
   
   
3. Be Greedy With Your Heat
   It's bad enough that your electric and gas bills increase during the winter as you turn up the thermostat to keep your home cozy.  What's worse is some of that precious heat may be escaping from your home. One of the most important home improvement projects is to make your home more airtight and energy efficient. Check your windows now for damaged seals, cracks and drafts. Replacement windows are a relatively inexpensive way to boost your home's efficiency. Weatherstripping around doors can make a dramatic difference in keeping your home comfortable, and sealing leaky ductwork connected to your heating system will save you in energy costs.
   
   
4. Schedule a Heating System Checkup
   Whether you heat with electric or gas, all home heating systems require regular maintenance. A heating professional can perform a maintenance check quickly, make necessary repairs, and offer suggestions for improved efficiency. Don't forget to change your furnace filters every month during the heating season to get the most out of your heating system.
   
   
5. Avoid Plumbing Woes
   No one wants the headache and expense of frozen or burst pipes during the winter. Before the cold arrives, make sure any pipes that are exposed or prone to freezing are insulated. Outdoor spigots should be turned off, and the line leading to it drained. Also, drain and store garden hoses so they'll be in top shape next spring.
   
   
6. Added Insulation
   To increase your home's warmth and ease the strain of heating bills on your wallet, consider adding insulation in a few places throughout your home. Putting insulation in the attic helps keep those winter drafts at bay and makes your furnace run less frequently. Insulating your water heater is an easy way to make it operate more efficiently especially when it is in the basement or crawlspace where it tends to be cooler.

All of these simple home improvement ideas will make it much easier to remain worry-free throughout the winter months ahead.

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