GRAND RAPIDS Blog

3 Steps to Prepare your attic for Winter | Koala Insulation of GR

As the heat of summer gives way to a crisp autumn chill, now is the time to prepare your home for winter. From cleaning the gutters to checking your home insulation, there are several steps to take before the cold weather sets in to help keep your home safe and cozy through the winter months. Here's what you need to know. 

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

1. Turn Off Exterior Faucets and Protect Pipes

Outdoor faucets and pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. If there is any water in them, it can expand and cause the pipes to burst, leading to significant and costly flood damage. You can avoid this scenario by  locating the valve to the exterior faucets (which should be inside your home)  and shutting it off.  You should then open the outdoor spigot to drain any water and then close it back up for winter.

While indoor pipes that run through interior walls are kept warm by your home's heat, those in unheated areas such as garages and crawlspaces, can be exposed to freezing temperatures. Protecting these pipes with home insulation can prevent them from bursting and causing flood damage. It also increases efficiency by stopping hot water pipes from losing heat to the surrounding air, saving on energy costs. 

2. Check for Leaks Around Doors and Windows

Home insulation is designed to keep heat inside your home. However, even small leaks can significantly reduce its effectiveness, forcing your furnace to work harder and driving up your energy costs. If a gap around a door or window frame is large enough to insert a nickel, consider plugging it with silicone caulk. Silicone is resistant to extreme temperatures and will not shrink. 

3. Clean the Gutters and Insulate the Attic

Heat escaping from your attic can cause snow on the roof to melt rapidly. Clogged gutters can cause the water to back up and form an ice dam. As the ice melts during the day and refreezes at night, it can wreak havoc on your roof, leading to leaks, mold, and even structural damage. Cleaning the gutters and ensuring snow melt can properly drain away from your home will help avoid this problem. Make sure your attic is protected with adequate home insulation, including corners and areas damaged by leaks. This will keep heat inside your home, saving on energy costs and reducing rapid snow melt on your roof. 

The experts at Koala Insulation of Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids, MI, have more than 15 years of experience in delivering comfort and efficiency. We are a licensed and insured insulation contractor  and we offer insulation, air sealing, and removal services to protect your home and save you money. Call us today at (616) 333-6667 or visit our website for more information.