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Hot Tips for Cold Weather: Winterize & Weatherize Your Home

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As the days get cooler, I find it’s the perfect time to prepare for the months ahead by winterizing and weatherizing my home. While these terms are often used interchangeably, I’ve learned that they serve different purposes in protecting my space. 

Winterization focuses on short-term changes to keep my home warm and cozy during the colder months. In contrast, weatherization involves long-term improvements for energy efficiency and comfort year-round. Taking these preventative steps helps maintain my home’s value and ensures it stays in great shape.

At Williams, our associates are here to assist you with everything you need to winterize and weatherize your home. Whether you’re looking for the right insulation, weather stripping, or maintenance tools, our knowledgeable associates can guide you in selecting the best products for your needs. We’re dedicated to providing expert advice and support to help you create a warm, safe, and energy-efficient home. So, don’t hesitate to stop by and let us help you prepare for the season ahead!

Inspect and Seal My Windows & Doors (Weatherization)

Are you spending too much on heating? If I notice drafts around my windows and doors, it’s time to take action. I can use caulking and weather stripping to seal those gaps. I love using Macklanburg Duncan Weather Stripping, which you can get at any of our stores.  It helps keep out cold air and moisture. If the drafts persist, it might be time for an upgrade. We offer Infinity Ultrex® Fiberglass Windows from Marvin, designed to resist the expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating temperatures.

An older white person in a blue sweater adds weatherstripping to an open window to weatherize their home.

Insulate My Home (Weatherization)

Adding durable insulation in walls, crawl spaces, floors, and the attic has helped me reduce energy costs and prevent moisture infiltration and mold growth in my home. I trust ROCKWOOL® stone wool insulation from Williams Lumber fr its thermal properties, moisture repellent technology, and ability to slow the spread of flames.

Man in plaid adds a bag of Rockwool insulation to a new home build.

Service My Heating Systems (Weatherization)

It’s crucial for me to have my furnace inspected annually by a certified HVAC technician before I start using it regularly. I also make it a habit to replace the filter frequently for optimal performance. If I plan to use the fireplace, I ensure my chimney is inspected and cleaned yearly to prevent buildup and I always use a sturdy fireplace screen to keep sparks at bay. Plus, since October is Fire Prevention Month, I use tips from our Fire Safety 101 blog to make sure I’m keeping my home and family safe.

Test My Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors (Weatherization)

As I rely more on heating systems, I know there’s an increased risk of carbon monoxide buildup. I make sure to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and in each bedroom. I also install additional CO detectors near any fuel-burning appliances. It’s a good idea to test these detectors in the fall and spring, and always keep extra batteries handy.

Middle-aged white man checks the carbon monoxide and smoke detector on the ceiling of his home.

Clean My Gutters and Downspouts (Weatherization)

To protect my roof and prevent leaks, I clear my gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. It’s important that downspouts direct water away from my home to avoid pooling around my foundation, which can cause structural damage and increase the chances of flooding and mold in basements and crawl spaces.

Man Clearing Leaves From Guttering Of House

Inspect My Roof and Siding (Weatherization)

I perform a seasonal inspection of my home’s exterior to catch any issues early. I check for damage to shingles, sagging, or soft spots on the roof, and inspect the siding for cracks, holes, or warping. If I notice any damage, I make sure to address it before the colder weather sets in.

Protect My Plumbing (Winterization)

To avoid the risk of frozen pipes, I insulate exposed plumbing and turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets. I also disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, storing them indoors for the winter.

Prepare My Home for Winter Storms (Winterization)

Before winter storms hit, I make a snow removal plan. I stock up on rock salt, sand, shovels, and a snow blower from EGO, available at any of our seven locations. I also ensure I have an emergency kit with essentials like a first-aid kit, water, and non-perishable food. 

A little effort goes a long way in weatherizing and winterizing my home. These preventative measures save me money on heating and cooling bills, enhance my home’s long-term value, and give me peace of mind. I know that our knowledgeable associates at Williams Lumber are ready to help me prepare for a warm, safe, and comfortable winter season. So plan to stop by one of our locations soon to pick up everything you need to stay happy and healthy this winter and NAIL IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

A man uses an EGO snowblower to clear the snow from a driveway after a winter snow storm.

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