3 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
We still have three months until winter arrives, but now is the time to ensure your Westfield home is ready for the colder months. Here are three tips from Amerifence on how to winterize your home, including ways to help prevent loved ones from falling on ice.
1. Consider Installing an Outdoor Handrail
Winter often brings icy conditions that can make walkways and stairs hazardous. Installing an outdoor handrail system along decks, porches, and steps can provide safety on ice, contain pets, and prevent dangerous slips and falls.
Aluminum Handrails
Strong and maintenance-free, aluminum won’t rust or corrode. This option is available in various styles and colors to match your home’s exterior.
Vinyl Handrails
Vinyl is a durable, low-maintenance material that’s easy to clean. If you want to find a specific look, we offer a wide range of styles and colors.
Cedar Handrails
If you’ve already included cedar elements around your property, choosing a cedar handrail can complete the look. They provide a natural feel, and we can ensure the railing matches your existing cedar fence or deck.
2. Check Insulation and Caulking
Proper insulation and caulking are critical for keeping your home warm during winter. Here are some facts to consider.
Why Insulation Matters
Insulation works by reducing the rate of heat transfer, keeping warm air inside your home and cold air out. Because it slows down the movement of heat, ensuring your insulation is robust can reduce energy costs. According to Energy.gov, proper insulation can make your home up to 20% more energy-efficient in winter.
The Role of Caulking
Caulking seals gaps and cracks around windows and doors, preventing drafts and adding another layer of insulation to your home. Caulking these gaps inhibits warm air from escaping and keeps cold air out of the home. This simple step will help create a more comfortable living environment and lower your heating bills.
3. Have a Plan to Prevent Freezing Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your home, leading to costly repairs. To prevent pipes from freezing, consider taking some important precautions.
Insulate Pipelines
Use pipe insulation materials to cover exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages.
Keep the Thermostat Consistent
Maintain a steady indoor temperature day and night since fluctuations can increase the risk of freezing.
Let Faucets Drip
During extreme cold, allowing faucets to drip can keep water moving through the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
Call Amerifence Today
Winterizing your home is about more than just warmth; it’s about the safety of your loved ones and preventing costly damage to your Indianapolis, Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers, Carmel, or Bargersville area home. So, if you want an outdoor handrail system installed in your home, don’t wait until the winter ice has arrived. Contact Amerifence at (463) 259-6412 or request a free quote online today!