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3 Projects to Get Your Home Ready For Winter In Virginia Beach

December 14, 2016

Winter is coming. Are you prepared? Here are 3 projects you can do in Virginia Beach to prepare for the coming season so you can enjoy the great things that winter brings with it.

Plantation shutters in a corner window 

1. Lessen drafts

Drafts in your room result in higher energy bills. And even if the Virginia Beach winter is mild, servicing drafty rooms can also keep your house cool in the summer. You can increase your home’s insulation and reduce drafts by:

  • Putting in extra insulation to your attic and/or crawlspace. Speak with a professional to see if your current insulation is up to snuff.

  • Examining your windows and doors for leaks and caulking gaps that you find.

  • Installing energy-efficient window coverings like Polywood® plantation shutters with integrated weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate up to 70% better than a regular wood shutter and repel as much as 30° of airflow.

  • Getting an energy audit to find where air is seeping out of your house and what extra steps you can take to fix it.

Virginia Beach home gym with shuttered windows.

2. Protect against water damage

Water damage can ruin your holiday plans. Before the temperature dips or a wet winter season begins, take precautionary measures to keep water where it belongs, instead of going where it might damage your home. Here’s what you can do:

  • Clear your gutters out so that any precipitation can easily run out. Obstructed gutters can lead to dams which can damage your roof or result in water leaking inside.

  • Keep your pipes toasty because frozen water pipes are likely to rupture and cause major interior damage. Hinging on your local weather and home, you’ll need to talk to a professional about insulating pipes near the exterior of your home or even wrapping heat tape around them. Remember to keep your thermostat at at least 55° at all times, especially if you’re out of town.

3. Get Your Home Inspected

You want to ensure that your home is running in top shape when winter begins. Yearly checks of the most important systems in your house can assure that your home is safe and energy efficient.

  • HVAC and water heater. Your ventilation system and water heater are two of the most active energy users in your house. An HVAC and water heater inspection will make sure your systems are efficient and safe. Prior to winter is also the perfect time to have your water heater flushed out to prevent blockage.

  • Chimney. Inspections let you make use of the ambiance of your fireplace while being confident that your chimney is safe to run.

Virginia Beach fireplace with white shutters.

Relax and Enjoy The Season

Once your home is ready for winter, you can enjoy everything the season offers in Virginia Beach, from cocoa by the fireplace to parties with family. And if you’re looking for a brand-new look for your home this winter, drop us a line to discuss window treatments such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any room in your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Virginia Beach at 757-210-6448 for a complimentary in-home consultation.