4 Home Improvement Projects To Get Your Pennsylvania Home Ready for Winter

Owning a home means there is always something that needs to be taken care of. If you are wondering what projects to check off the list before winter sets in, these four can serve as a good starting place.

1. Refinish the Driveway

Repeated freezing and thawing can take a toll on your driveway just like it does on the roads. Contact an asphalt sealer Pittsburgh PA to fill any cracks and apply a protective coating. That will help keep unwanted water out from under the surface and minimize any damage you encounter over the winter. Plus, it helps extend the life of your existing driveway.

2. Install Weatherstripping

Homes can develop small cracks and gaps as they settle and wear over time. Sealing them can minimize drafts, boost your home’s efficiency and keep unwanted pests outside where they belong. Weatherstripping is relatively simple to install with just a few basic tools and serves as an effective way to seal small leaks around windows and doors.

3. Increase Insulation

Those gaps aren’t the only areas where warm air can get out. Houses that are more than 10 years old might benefit from some additional insulation. It can reduce strain on your heating system and make your home more comfortable all year. Besides, heating is one of the largest contributors to most home utility bills so anything you can do to minimize the work of your furnace can help keep monthly costs down.

4. Inspect the Roof

An imperfection in the roof can cause major problems under a heavy load of snow, so now is the perfect time to check for any potential problems. A few things you should look for include:

  • Shingles that are cracked, lifting or peeling
  • Wavy or dipped spots
  • Excessive mold or moss growth
  • Missing shingles

Preventative maintenance can go a long way to ensuring you are comfortable and secure all winter long. Focus on major systems of your home like the roof, furnace and paved surfaces that take the most abuse in the winter.