At R&S, we know that harsh, mountainous Colorado winters can impact our homes. Understanding that winter can take a toll on your roofing, foundation, and heating systems will help you prevent damage before it occurs. Try our top five leak-proof tips to ensure your home is ready for the winter.
Leak-proof your home with these five steps.
Check for holes in the attic and basement
During the busy summer and back-to-school season, we can forget about the spaces above and below the main floors of our homes. When winter storms come, ensure there are no leaks in the basement or holes in the attic. It is best to inspect the attic during the sunniest part of the day or during a steady rain. This way, you will be able to see a small beam of light or water leaking in, indicating that there is a hole. This can be fixed from the inside by filling the hole with closed-cell polyurethane foam.
Inspect the chimney and water heater
After a long summer without using your fireplace, the chimney could have damage you aren’t aware of. You will need to get on your roof to take a closer look at your chimney. The flashing, sheet metal that surrounds the chimney must be secured and undamaged in order to repel water efficiently. The base flashing must effectively send water down the slope of the roof so that water does not leak into the house and cause damage. Be sure to also look at your water heater to make sure your connection pipes are nice and tight. This way, water is less likely to leak and cause further damage.
Weatherproof windows and doors
We don’t always think about what a big role our windows play in keeping the cold out and heat in. Take extra precautions by installing weather stripping door seals to keep moisture out. Weatherproof the windows in your home by using chalk on both sides to properly seal out moisture and cold temperatures. This will not only prevent leaks but improve your home’s thermal efficiency, saving money on your heating bill during winter.
Direct water away from the foundation
Make sure the ground that surrounds your house slopes away from your home to ensure that there won’t be standing water around your foundation to cause damage. Try adding crushed stone or topsoil around the foundation once a year to help keep water off your foundation, preventing any damage.
Seal foundation cracks
It is easy to walk right past cracks in the sidewalk outside your home but taking the time for a quick fix can save time and money in the long run. Water can find its way into your home and cause damage through cracks within the foundation. If you locate and seal these cracks using cement or mortar, you can prevent water damage this winter.
If the Colorado winter does take a toll on your home, R&S has you covered! Give our experts a call: 970.945.7591