10 winterizing tasks even unhandymen can do

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

December 9, 2004

Before the really cold weather hits, homeowners would be wise to perform a few easy tasks that can keep icy air from infiltrating a warm, cozy interior. This maintenance, which should be done annually, includes caulking exterior gaps, pressing foam weather stripping around doors and applying window insulation. Supplies are inexpensive, and no special skills are required.

So roll up your sleeves and get to it. Here are 10 easy "winterizing" steps.

1. Caulk. Inspect the exterior framing of windows and doors. Wide cracks and seams let cold air creep inside wall cavities. Use a paintable latex exterior caulk to fill openings. Newer homes and those recently re-sided with vinyl or upgraded with vinyl windows often have aluminum trim. Gaps and trim pieces that sag or become loose are common. Seal gaps with caulk and reattach any loose trim with aluminum nails (usually colored to match the trim).

2. Expandable foam. This is sprayed on and expands to seal openings where pipes and vents exit through exterior walls. Walk around the foundation from the outside, checking for such gaps. Openings also may be found in the basement, just above the foundation. The foam dries hard, but any excess is easily trimmed away with a utility knife.

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3. Foam weather stripping. Facing a closed exterior door from the inside, run your palm around the edge to locate tiny air leaks. Foam weather stripping, which unrolls like tape and has an adhesive side, can be applied along the door jamb to eliminate these leaks. Scrape off any worn weather stripping with a utility knife, and wipe grime and dirt from the jamb before applying the new material.

4. Shutoff valves. Water lines that supply an exterior faucet should be drained and turned off for winter. If these lines don't have shutoff valves, consider having a plumber install them or wrap the lines with heat tape to prevent freezing. Water lines exposed to cold air near the top of basement walls or in crawl spaces should be wrapped with foam insulation, and fiberglass insulation added to any open-faced walls where a main water shutoff valve is located.

5. Shingles, siding and bricks. Roof shingles and all types of siding can loosen, crack or become displaced. Inspect the roof with binoculars for missing or loose shingles. Repair sagging or loose vinyl siding. Cracks in wood siding can be patched with exterior wood putty or paintable caulk. Mortar between bricks can crumble, and bricks can loosen and fall. Repair with a mortar patching compound.

6. Gutters. Sagging gutters and disconnected downspouts can cause drainage problems, especially when heavy snow starts to melt. First clean debris from the gutters; then, to keep water away from the foundation, repair all sagging and broken pieces. Gutter-repair components are available at home centers and building-supply stores.

7. Overhanging branches. Heavy snow and ice can crack branches, causing them to fall on rooftops and against exterior walls. Trim branches, if possible, or hire a tree service. Also, pruning overgrown shrubs and bushes keeps moisture away from exterior walls.

8. Heating system. Oil-burning units should be cleaned and inspected yearly. Gas furnaces older than 10 years also should be inspected annually. Before the heating contractor arrives, examine exhaust vents for rust and loose pieces. Have any faulty ones repaired. These vents send harmful carbon monoxide to the exterior. Don't overlook the fireplace. Have a licensed and experienced chimney sweep inspect the fireplace for leaks and damage. Dampers that don't work and missing chimney caps are common.

9. Outdoor furniture. If it can't be stored indoors, cover with tarps or plastic sheeting. Elastic tiedowns or nylon rope will help keep the coverings from blowing away. Other outdoor items, including hoses and ladders, should be stored in the garage or shed. If that's not possible, cover them with tarps or plastic. Patio blocks are a good way to keep items that must be kept outdoors from making contact with the moist ground.

10. From the inside. Cold interior walls and drafts around windows can be remedied. Add a layer of insulation to old, creaky windows by using shrink-wrap products. A layer of clear plastic should be applied over the window frame using double-sided tape, and then warm air from a hair dryer shrinks the plastic to a tight cover. Electrical outlets and light switches on exterior walls are sources of cold air infiltration. Precut foam insulating pieces are available. Remove the plate covers, fit the foam into place and reattach the covers.