The change of the seasons brings a lot to worry about for homeowners. Your top priority is making sure that your house is sealed to the elements and will hold up no matter how harsh the weather is this winter. Most homes can benefit from a small remodel and renewal to ensure that everything is in top condition. 

At the end of the day, your home is an asset, and you want to keep up its resale value. Ignoring the needs of your structure only becomes more expensive. When something needs to be repaired or replaced, it’s best to do that as soon as possible. Otherwise, the damage worsens. Your roof, walls, windows, and even your patio may need some attention before the winter weather. 

Here are some tips on making your home winter ready.

1) Seal, Caulk, and Fix Your Exterior Walls

Start with the exterior of your home. If you haven’t refreshed the paint for a while, or checked for holes and other signs of deterioration, autumn is the best time to do that. Giving your home a new coat of weather-resistant paint is a great idea before the harsh winter weather. Your home will be much more energy efficient. 

You may not even realize it but you may have cracks and holes that can affect the structure of your home. Leaks develop in old homes that greatly affect your quality of life as well as your home’s resale value. Exposed holes in your exterior can also lead to pest problems. As the weather turns colder, pests like roaches, rats, and termites seek a warm place to shelter and an exterior with cracks and holes is inviting. 

2) Check Your Roof Shingles

Having your roof inspected or doing it yourself is a vital part of winterizing your home. If you haven’t had your roof replaced or looked at by professionals for a few years, it’s a good idea to do that. Holes or broken shingles in the roof compromise your home’s structure. The last thing you need is a leaky roof in the middle of winter. 

3) Clean and Seal Your Deck

Even rot-resistant wood doesn’t last forever. Though most decks and outdoor spaces are built with materials to last, failing to properly maintain this wood will require more construction in the end. You don’t have to seal your wood every single year, but autumn is a good time to check. If you pour out some water, does it bead or absorb into the wood? If it absorbs, it’s time to seal your deck. If your deck already has rotting or chipping boards, you may want to renovate the deck altogether. 

4) Check Your Doors and Windows

Old doors and windows account for a lot of the money you spend on heating your house in the winter. You can seal your windows and any holes in your doors, but if you can, replacing your windows once every 10-20 years will save you a lot of money in heating and cooling costs. Professional window installation will ensure that your glass is sturdy enough to withstand the winds, and any cracks around the windows are sealed to prevent drafts. 

At Classic Construction, we have more than two decades of experience working with family homes in the Richmond area. Call us at (804) 776-5070 or get a quote online for our interior or exterior remodeling services. We can help you get your home in tip-top shape before the cold weather arrives.