How to Protect Your Home Before Winter

Preparing a home for winter and cold conditions requires proactive repairs 

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

Much of the U.S. is experiences unseasonably freezing fall as winter barrels towards us. It’s a chilly reminder to shore up homes for the winter. During the coldest season, homes are under intense pressure to keep inhabitants warm and dry. The good news: it’s not too late to tackle winter-prepping projects by adding them to bigger home renovations already in the planning stages. Here, Sweeten recommends key practices for preparing a home for winter. A cozy abode in freezing temperatures is often worth the work!

Patch your roof

It might be a little late in the season for a full roof replacement, but patching up holes to hold you over until the warmer months is recommended. “If ice builds up on your roof, when it thaws, that leak is going to be nasty and you won’t be able to patch it properly until after the rainy season [spring],” said Sweeten general contractor Chance. “You could have months of rain coming into your home.”

As Chance points out, it’s not just the cost of the project that you need to worry about. It’s the internal damage water can have in your home.

Patching a pitched roof can be a relatively straightforward and affordable task, often completed in a single day for less than $600. However, if slate shingles are needed, the cost could increase significantly. For flat roofs, common in New York City townhouses and brownstones, small leaks can often be addressed with caulking. Larger holes may require asphalt cement. Due to easier accessibility, patching a flat roof is generally less expensive than a pitched roof.

Before starting any roof repair, it’s essential to assess the extent of the damage and consider factors like the type of roofing material and the complexity of the repair. Consulting with a roofing professional can provide accurate cost estimates and ensure the job is done correctly.

A roof replacement typically needs to happen every ten or so years. And for a good chunk of the US, it needs to happen in the Spring, Summer or Fall. The national average for a roof replacement with fiberglass asphalt shingles in 2018 was $20,000, according to Remodeling’s Cost Vs Value report. Much of that can be recouped with the average $14,000 that is added to your home’s value. As for a timeline, a roof replacement can be done in under a week.

Maintain or repair the boiler

Putting your boiler through a maintenance check each year could save you from a mid-winter disaster, advised Sweeten general contractor Richard. “If your boiler shuts down, that likely means no hot water and a cold house,” he said. Maintenance should only take a day and cost under $300. That cost starts increasing if repairs are needed, such as replacing a filter or an igniter.

Insulate the attic and pipes

Pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures can explode and a drafty attic without insulation can add to your heating bill and carbon footprint. Both have a quick and relatively cheap remedy. Attic insulation involves patching areas where drafts enter as well as adding insulation, such as fiberglass. A pipe can be insulated with a foam pipe sleeve or electrical tape.

Sweeten contractor Richard estimates that insulation of both attic and pipes costs between $1,000 and $4,000. It can be completed in one to four days.  The great news is, the project typically adds more to the value of your home than it costs to perform, according to the Cost Vs Value report. In 2017, the average cost of an attic insulation project in the US was $1,343 and added $1,446 in value.

Waterproof your home’s masonry

If your home is a masonry structure, such as stone, brick, or concrete block, it’s essential to inspect for signs of water infiltration. As Sebastian, a Sweeten contractor’s assistant, emphasizes, “Water is incredibly powerful and can cause significant damage over time.“

Sometimes, a simple solution like waterproofing the exterior walls can help prevent water intrusion. Richard, a Sweeten contractor, estimates that waterproofing costs will start around $2,000. However, the final price will depend on factors such as the property’s size, the area to be treated, and the specific waterproofing materials used.

By addressing potential water damage issues, you can protect your masonry home from costly repairs and ensure its longevity throughout the winter months.

If a more substantial amount of water is seeping through, than the offending area of the wall might need to be redone or water-proofing added behind the wall, according to Sebastian. Minor repairs, such as replacing a few bricks could be a few hundred dollars. The cost of replacing much or all of a wall will likely send your budget into the thousands.

Seal up a draft

Fall is the ideal time to prepare your house for winter. One simple yet effective way to identify potential drafts is to perform a “wet hand” test. Dip your hand in water, walk around your home, and dangle it near windows and doors. If you feel cold air, you’ve found a draft. Alternatively, you can use a lit match. If the flame dances or blows out, there’s a draft present.

Fortunately, there are several inexpensive and easy solutions to address these drafts. Weather stripping, a foamy plastic material, can be applied around windows to seal gaps and prevent cold air from entering. Rope caulk is another option that can be easily removed at the end of the winter season. Both of these materials are readily available at hardware stores for a minimal cost and can be installed in just a few minutes. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce heat loss and save on your winter heating bills.

Preparing a home for winter? Don’t delay.

Getting your home ready for winter doesn’t have to be a strenuous affair. However, it’s important to stay up to date with maintenance for your house or apartment to avoid major disasters during the peak of winter. Thinking of a fuller renovation plan after the thaw? Check out our posts on what to expect from a general contractor; renovating for resale; and the dos and don’ts of DIY.

—

Ready to renovate your home?

Post your project on Sweeten today and get matched with our vetted general contractors for free! Find endless home renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and practical cost breakdowns from our blogs.