Health & Fitness
Three Great Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
Preventative health care isn't just good for you. It's good for your home, too. These three tips may help avoid some unpleasant surprises and help keep you warm and cozy this winter.
Clean those gutters and downspouts
Now is the time to get your gutters, downspouts and external watershed system cleaned before fall thunderstorms lead to sudden water events which may cause serious water problems. The flooding of basements, the overwhelming of window wells and water being diverted into the house are the primary issues that a clogged gutter or downspout can create. Avoid these emergencies by tending to your gutters and downspouts before the fall and winter storms roll in.
Look for Weatherization Opportunities
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Are there areas of your home that are uncomfortable because of cold or drafts? Can you feel a breeze around doors or windows or other problem areas like outlet/light fixtures? The cold temperatures make it a great time to assess your home's uncomfortable and energy loss areas. The most significant cause of heat loss is generally to be found in the attic area where the warm air in your house finds a way to escape. Once it does, a vacuum effect is created in the house and it forces make up air to be pulled in through the most susceptible areas - typically your doors and windows. Warm air that escapes is the main culprit of the cold and drafty areas of your home. To make your home more comfortable and save some big money, find the areas where the warm air is escaping and prevent it from happening.
NOTE: The vast majority of houses we see have attic access hatches and ladders which are uninsulated and are definitely a major cause of heat loss. Checking these is a good first step.
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"If I Only Had a Drain!"
"Flat" drain covers in window wells or on any drain located below grade can get covered with fall leaves or a wind-swept plastic grocery bag. During sudden water events, like we experience in the fall and winter storm season, a covered drain can lead to a flooded basement very quickly. We recommend installing "domed" drain covers to guard against this eventuality. It is a quick investment that can potentially save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headache. These can be found at Millen's Hardware on the North Shore and at Gordon's Ace in Chicago.
If you would like help with these or other projects for your home please give us a call. The folks at Get Dwell would be happy to help.
