Preparing Your Home for a Massachusetts Winter

Living in New England, especially in Western Massachusetts, is great! However, sometimes we lose our confidence in where we put down our roots when the brunt of winter finally rears its ugly head. With that said, if you perform a little pre-winter maintenance and TLC, you can make life much easier for yourself.

We’ve compiled a list of the most important considerations to make before you (and your home) head into winter. We promise, if you take our advice, you’ll be smiling come spring!

Clean Your Gutters, or Invest in Never Cleaning Them Again

All those fallen leaves in your yard might have already been bagged up and sent away to compost with the rest of your city’s yard waste, but what about the leaves collecting in your gutters? As those leaves pile into your gutters, they’ll begin to clog your downspouts and dramatically decrease the efficiency of your system, letting water seep into places it shouldn’t.

Worse yet, a lot of that leaf matter will rot and feed mold through the winter, which can then get into the wood structure of your home. It's best to clean your gutters out before winter so your gutters can be free and clear from all of the snow and ice that is sure to accumulate.

However, it’s worth considering a total gutter rehab if your gutters are suffering from too much wear and tear. If it’s time to replace them, then we suggest a gutter system that keeps the leaves out altogether!

Don’t Forget About Your Windows

Drafty windows aren't all that obvious in the spring, summer, and fall when a breeze or two isn't going to drastically affect your comfort. However, you'll certainly notice those old windows in the winter, especially when breezy weather brings the temperature below zero.

If your windows are super drafty, then window film treatments might be necessary. Of course, we're window experts and can consult with you to install a new set of energy-efficient windows that keeps that pesky breeze away while keeping more of the warm air in, lowering your power bill in the process.

Have Your Roof Inspected Before It Snows

We always suggest an annual roof inspection, no matter the age of your roof. However, it's more important than ever to understand the shape your roof is in before winter when snow and ice can collect and do a number on it.

A failing roof will allow snow and ice to seep in moisture as the day warms and it begins to melt. This continuous bombardment of water can greatly accelerate the damage done by even a minor leak. Before you know it, you’re seeing a dreaded water stain on your ceiling and wondering how much mold is growing in your attic or crawl space. Beyond that, it will fail to retain heat and cause your HVAC system to struggle to keep you comfortable.

If it’s time for a new roof, then give us a call or complete our free quote request. We aren’t just the window people; we’re state-of-the-art roof installers.

Replace the Filters in Your Furnace

Many people forget that their HVAC system has a filter that is meant to trap much of the dirt and dust that floats through the air in your home. This filter cleans and conditions the air, and also keeps those particles from damaging the internal components of your furnace.

The easiest way to remember to replace that filter is to do it before you turn the heat on. If you’re about to flip that switch on your thermostat, then head to the nearest hardware store and grab a new filter before you do it. A clean filter doesn’t just mean clean air; it means a healthy HVAC system that doesn’t have to struggle against a dirty, clogged filter.

Let Us Make Winter a Time for Celebration

When you invest in our renovation services, you’re investing in the extended life and comfort of your home. Most of all, you’ll make your family more comfortable in the process! While there are many quick and easy ways to keep your house in order through the winter, sometimes it’s better to simply replace the problem altogether. Whether that’s new, energy-efficient windows, a new roof, a cutting-edge gutter system, or something else, we guarantee to make you a little cozier this winter!