It’s finally the most wonderful time of the year, which means soon it will also be the coldest. If you are a homeowner, you know this means more than just switching from your air conditioning to heating. It means you likely have a few tasks around your home to prepare it for cold, dry air and possibly snow. Here is what we recommend:

  1. Check for drafts. If you haven’t had your windows or the weather stripping replaced in a while, checking around them for drafts is a good idea. Use an infrared thermometer, candle or flashlight – if you notice air flow around the frames, it could drive your energy costs up as the weather cools down.
  2. Remove screens. You may not usually remove your screens during the winter, but storing them a warm, dry place can extend their life by protecting them from inclement weather and sun damage during the months you don’t need them. You can also use this time as an opportunity to deep-clean your windows before the holidays! Come spring, place your screens back in for open-window season.
  3. Add a railing. With the amount of snow the east coast saw last year, taking measures now to protect yourself during inclement weather is a good idea, especially if you have children or elderly family members in your home. Adding a railing to your front porch and steps can help prevent slips by giving you something steady to hold on a snowy or icy day.

 

Another great winter addition to any home is a sunroom to extend your living space and keep enjoying the outdoors even when the temperatures have dropped. If you’re in the Raleigh-Durham area, call Gerald Jones Company at 919.286.1700 to discuss your next exterior home project.