How to Winterize Your Home in the Columbia River Gorge
Winter in the Columbia Gorge can be beautiful, but it also brings its own set of challenges. The cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls, and biting winds can take a toll on your property if you’re not prepared. Taking the time to winterize your home helps keep it cozy and saves you money in the long run by preventing costly damage and improving energy efficiency. Here’s a complete guide to help you winterize your home and ensure it’s ready for the colder months ahead.
1. Seal Gaps and Cracks to Prevent Drafts
Thankfully, we live in an era where we can purchase heat sensors to see where our drafts are coming from. If you decide to do a home inspection yourself, purchasing some cheap(ish) equipment can save you a lot of money in the long run. The first step in winterizing your home is to make sure it’s sealed tightly. Drafts around windows, doors, and even outlets can make your home feel colder and force your heating system to work overtime. Check around the edges of windows and doors for any gaps or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Don’t forget about your attic hatch, chimney flue, and any vents or pipes that may have gaps as well. A quick inspection and some sealant can significantly reduce heating costs. Whether you’re the kind of DIYer to do an inspection yourself or want us to do it, we’ll be there to complete your punch-list.
2. Inspect and Improve Insulation
In the Columbia Gorge, insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable home during winter. Proper insulation helps to keep heat inside, especially when temperatures drop. Start by inspecting your attic, basement, and crawl spaces for any areas that may be under-insulated or have settled over time. If you notice any thin spots or gaps, adding more insulation could be an easy fix. For added warmth, consider upgrading your insulation in high-impact areas like walls, floors, and ceilings. If you live here in the PNW, you may or may not know that we are climate zone 4. This means attics are expected to have an R-value between R-38 and R-60. Don’t know what this means? Don’t sweat it. R-value is deserving of a blog itself. Just know - the higher the R-value the better your home keeps heat IN and keeps cold OUT.
3. Service Your Heating System
It’s the dead of winter now in February, but it’s a good idea to have your heating system checked by a professional if you haven’t for awhile. Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or electric baseboard heaters, make sure everything is in working order. Change the air filters, check the thermostat, and have the system inspected for any potential issues. A well-maintained heating system is not only more efficient but can also last longer, saving you money on repairs in the future.
4. Prepare Your Pipes for Freezing
Freezing pipes can cause major damage to your home, and in the Gorge, where temperatures can dip well below freezing (like right now), it’s important to take precautions. Begin by locating all of your home’s exposed pipes—especially those in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation or heat tape to prevent them from freezing. For added protection, let faucets drip slightly when temperatures drop drastically to relieve pressure in the pipes.
5. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Fall leaves and debris can quickly accumulate in your gutters, blocking water flow and leading to ice dams when the temperatures drop. Ice dams can result in water seeping into your home, causing serious damage to your roof and walls. Clean your gutters thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure water flows freely through the downspouts. If you notice any sagging gutters, have them repaired or replaced to prevent overflow during heavy rain or snow. We’re pretty limited for subcontractors that specialize in gutters. However, if you’d like us to do a site-inspection and help guide you through the proper steps to correct sagging gutters contact us.
6. Check Your Roof
Your roof is one of your home’s first lines of defense against the elements, so it’s crucial to make sure it’s in good shape before the winter weather hits. Look for any missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or other issues that could lead to problems when snow and ice start to accumulate. We have awesome roofers we would be happy to recommend to you if you feel like your roof may not make it through the winter. A professional roofer can help with inspections and repairs, ensuring that your roof is ready for whatever winter brings.
7. Inspect Your Windows
Old or improperly sealed windows can be a major source of heat loss. If you have older windows or even single-pane windows or drafts, consider replacing them with more energy-efficient double-pane models. If replacement isn’t an option, we use weatherstripping or window insulation kits to keep the heat IN and cold OUT. Adding heavy curtains or thermal blinds can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep it warmer during the winter months.
8. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
We know that it can feel a little too paranoid to prepare for power outages. But in the Gorge, it happens. We love our PUD, but it’s expected to have at least one power outage. Are you prepared for it? Make sure you have all the essentials to handle winter’s challenges. Stock up on items like deicer, shovels, snow blowers, and blankets in case of a power outage. It’s also wise to have extra batteries, flashlights, and a first-aid kit on hand. A winter emergency kit can be a lifesaver when the Gorge experiences unpredictable winter storms.
Conclusion
Winterizing your home in the Columbia Gorge doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By tackling a few essential tasks each fall, you can keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the cold months. Even if it’s the dead of winter, you can still ride out winter with a little more coziness. Whether you’re sealing gaps, servicing your heating system, or preparing your pipes, these small steps can prevent big problems and help you enjoy the beauty of the Gorge’s winter weather without worrying about costly repairs.
If you need help with winterizing your home, feel free to reach out. We’re always here to assist with home maintenance and ensure your home is ready for whatever winter brings!