Before the first snowfall...

Before The First Snowfall

On this morning's news you might've heard that dreaded word... the one word that is always a blunt reminder that our mild fall days are coming to an end and will soon be replaced by shovels, slippery roads, and winter coats... SNOW.  Even though we know every year that it will be making its way into our Wisconsin weather report, it's never easy to take.  I think that most of us are always hoping that we'll get lucky this year and have an "Indian Summer" lasting into Thanksgiving time, or that Mother Nature will somehow forget that it's that time of year.  After all... there are still 44 days left until the official start of winter. 

Whether you're dreading the colder days or you're ready for winter's arrival, it's important to make sure that your home is ready for the weather too.  There are many things that you can do to make sure that your home is nice and cozy for those blustery winter nights when nothing sounds better than curling up on your couch with a good book.  Check out these weatherization tips below and make sure that you are your home are ready to weather the winter - and give Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions a call to help with any of these simple fixes. 

Air Tightness:  On windy days do you walk by your front door and shutter when you feel a cool breeze coming through?  This could mean that your door is either not aligned properly or not sealed as tight as it should be.  One of the first things to check is the weather-stripping on your front door.  Is it old and damaged?  Replacing it can greatly decrease the amount of air that is leaked between your home and the outside.  Other possible air paths can be found around your door frame and these can be easily fixed by caulking around your doors.  The best way to check your home's air tightness is by conducting a Blower Door Test where thermal imaging is used to locate problem areas in your home that if fixed, will save you energy costs in the long-run. 

Your Windows:  The windows around your home are another possible reason for warm air escaping or cool air getting in.  Caulking around the exterior of your windows can dramatically improve the tightness, and in homes with painted trim, caulking around the interior of the window frames can help even more.  If you have single-pane windows in your home, make sure that storm windows are installed and are closed tightly before the winter months.

New Windows:  If you do have a home with single-pane windows, replacing these with a more standard "thermal-pane" window can have a major effect on sealing the air leaks in your home.  A thermal-pane window is actually built with a gap of air between the two panes, and this acts as an insulator for your home.  Not only will this change save you money on energy costs each year, but it will also make your home quieter as the windows create a better barrier to the outside noises. 

Attic Insulation:  Have you heard the word "R-value" before, but wondered what it meant?  Well the R-value is the measure of thermal resistance, referring to the insulation in your home.  The higher the R-value, the better insulated your home or attic is.  A common, and good R-Value that is most commonly used in attics is R-50.  If your home's insulation hasn't been checked for some time, it's likely that the R-value is lower than what it should be to keep your home insulated properly.  Even insulation that started out at standards can settle or get moved from utility or mechanical companies tracking through your attic.  Having this checked out and having extra insulation blown in if needed can help with your home's energy efficiency. 

If your home could use a weatherization inspection this year, give us a call.  We can help you save money on your energy costs and help keep your home the warm and cozy retreat from the cold all winter long. 

Interested in maintenance or remodeling work on your home?  

Contact Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions Today!  

608.868.6228    jon@socknessbuilders.com   http://www.socknessbuilders.com/