More Winterizing Tips

WINDOWS AND DOORS:


Check windows and doors to prevent air from seeping into your home.

Checking for air gaps is done best on a windy day because you will be able to feel where the drafts are more easily. Light a few incense sticks and run them around door and window openings, watch the smoke trail and if there is a leak it will be real easy to spot.

A small 1/4" gap at the threshold of a door is equal to a 4" hole in the wall!

The rubber insert on thresholds tends to get hard and brittle with age and they tend to collapse so it may be time to replace it.. Most thresholds can simply be removed and a new rubber insert threaded in.

Don't overlook your wall outlets, its amazing how much outside air comes in around the openings.

Quick Fix: Install foam precut pads in behind the plates. Most all home building centers and hardware stores carry them.

Use a good quality caulking compound and seal up any cracks between the side walls of the house and the window frames. Clean and lubricate the window frame channels, if there are any gaps you can seal with one of the many strip adhesive backed weatherstrip available at local home centers and hardware stores.

Clean gutters & downspouts.Check the gutter supports.

Exterior paint-check for peeling, holes, cracks,soft and rotten wood, chalking.

Check siding-hammer in nails that have popped, replace rusty nails with galvanized nails.

Caulk any leaks or cracks in basement walls and seal.

See that all doors and windows close & lock properly. Lubricate hinges and door locks.