Although it’s autumn, Old Man Winter will be making his debut within the next couple of months. Of course, living in Colorado means we get winter weather well before the winter solstice. Whether you’re excited about winter’s arrival or dreading it, it’s happening sooner than later.
With Old Man Winter’s arrival comes the potential for severe weather. Winter weather patterns like snow, blizzards, ice, and temperatures at or below freezing are common now through spring. According to The Farmer’s Almanac, we’ll have below-average temperatures this winter, resulting in some freezes.
When precipitation mixes with freezing temperatures it’s a recipe for ice. Not only is ice dangerous and can cause slips and falls, but it can also wreak havoc on our homes. Likewise, ice dams are a common nuisance each winter and can cause damage to your gutters and roof. Icy winter weather can also cause caulk to crack around windows, basement leaks, damage to home siding, among many other issues.
Luckily, you can help prevent damage to your home’s exterior by winterizing your home. Keep reading for some tips on how to prepare your home for winter so it can be well protected this upcoming season.
Apply De-Icing Agent
We use our walkways and driveways daily whether our kids are running out the door to catch the bus or if we’re making a quick trip to the mailbox to collect the mail. Front walkways and entryways see plenty of foot traffic and need to be a safe surface for walking to protect ourselves and others. Icy weather conditions can lead to slips and falls, possibly resulting in serious injuries.
Prep your entryway and driveway for winter by applying a de-icing agent. Because de-icing agents contain irritants and chemicals, be sure to apply them using a pair of gloves. It’s best to apply either right before or during the start of winter weather to get the most out of the product. De-icing agents will help prevent ice and slick walkways and driveways, therefore creating a safer surface.
Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your open-top gutters is a great way to prepare your home for winter. Removing debris like leaves, twigs, silt, and insects will help your gutter system perform at optimal performance during winter. Ice dams are a common issue for homeowners during the winter months especially here in Colorado where snow is a common occurrence. If you fail to clean your gutters before winter’s arrival you could potentially have clogs that impede water flow, ultimately draining meltwater over the gutters. Overflowing and clogged gutters will cause ice dams which are dangerous and can result in serious injury.
To clean your gutters, gather a few materials: a ladder, gloves, a bucket, a garden hose, and a plumber’s snake. Start by removing larger debris by hand and placing it into a bucket. Flush whatever you can’t get by hand with a garden hose. For difficult clogs in downspouts, use a plumber’s snake to dislodge trapped debris.
Caulk Cracks in Windows Now
Drafty windows not only make the interior of our homes cooler but can also raise our energy bills since our HVAC units have to work in overdrive to regulate the indoor temperature. Check for cracks and gaps in the caulk around your windows. If you notice any cracks or gaps simply apply new caulk to give your windows a tighter seal.
Install K-Guard
Another great way to prep your home for the winter months is to install the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System. As previously mentioned, open-top gutters easily become clogged year-round, especially during autumn when leaves are constantly falling. Cleaning your open-top gutter system is a year-round chore that most homeowners dread. It’s time-consuming and dangerous since the use of a ladder is required. Although it’s not a fun chore, open-top gutter systems need to be cleaned regularly to avoid clogs.
To avoid having to clean your gutters year-round, install K-Guard. Unlike traditional gutter systems, gutter screens and filters, and other “complete” systems, our gutter product helps prevent ice dams during winter. Our gutter system is ideal for Colorado homeowners because it can handle a minimum of 23 inches of rain per hour and can keep up with meltwater from both snow and ice.
Old Man Winter will be here before you know it and now is the perfect time to prepare your home. By applying de-icing agents, cleaning your gutters, applying caulk to windows, and installing K-Guard, you can better prepare your home for winter.
K-Guard is the premiere gutter company in Colorado, providing a leaf-free gutter solution for homeowners for many years. We proudly install the K-Guard Gutter System across the state of Colorado including, but not limited to, the following locations: Denver, Colorado Springs, Littleton, Centennial, Aurora, Boulder, and Fort Collins. Schedule your free estimate today!
