As autumn begins, the warm weather might stick around a little while longer. However, once the season sets in, it doesn’t take long for the colder weather to arrive. Once it does, home painting, repairs, and renovations will usually have to wait until the temperatures rise again. This is because cold weather brings with it all sorts of complications that make these projects more difficult and less effective.
If your home is in need of some attention, it’s best to get these projects out of the way before winter’s chill rears its ugly head. You should also take some measures to prepare your home for the colder weather. After all, you want your house to keep you and your family warm and safe. Here are three things you can get done for your home in the coming months before the cold weather stops you in your tracks.
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Make sure Windows are Properly Sealed
If you live in an area that experiences extreme hot and cold weather, you know how important it is to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. A big part of doing this is proper insulation, but even if your walls are well-insulated, heat can transfer very quickly through your windows.
To minimize this heat transfer, keep a close eye on any gaps that might surround your windows. Even the smallest fracture can make a big difference, wasting your home’s energy and hiking up your monthly bill. If you do come across any holes or gaps, you’ll need to caulk the interior and exterior of the window frame and trim. This will seal the gap and prevent outside air from getting inside. A proper seal ensures that when you need to run your furnace or space heaters in the colder months, you won’t have to use nearly as much energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
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Repair the Drywall
Cracks in your drywall can also decrease your home’s ability to maintain its temperature indoors. In the winter months, the cold air can actually worsen existing cracks due to contracting and expanding caused by temperature differentials. If you want to get to work on interior painting, you’ll want these cracks fixed beforehand.
If your drywall needs repairing now, it’s better to get it fixed or replaced before the cold weather sets in. Drywall should be installed at temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, warmer temperatures will cause the material to expand. If no space is left for this expansion, you’ll end up with cracks once again. To ensure you won’t waste any time or money with your interior painting contractors, have your drywall repaired in the proper conditions.
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Repair or Replace Rotted Wood
No matter how durable or beautiful, wood doesn’t last forever, especially when left outside. Anything made of wood that lies on the exterior of a home (trim, beams, etc.) will decay over time. Severe heat and cold, rain, snow, moisture, and wind all contribute to the rotting of your wood. If you’re considering investing in exterior painting of this wooden material, it’s pointless if it’s already begun to rot.
In the cold weather, you want to make sure any damaged wood doesn’t get damaged further. It’s a good idea to repair or replace altogether any rotted wood you find on your home’s exterior. PVC (the piping material) actually provides a good solution for repairing or replacing rotted wood. Fungus will stay away from this material and it’s far more durable than any kind of wood.
Right now we’re looking forward to fall, but winter is coming. Before it does, take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your home and your family in the cold months ahead. If you’re looking to make repairs and also freshen up your home with a new coat of paint, All American Painting Plus, Inc. has you covered. More than a simple painting service, AAPP also offers Plus Services, including rotted wood repair and replacement, drywall repair, power washing, and wallpaper removal. For more information and estimates, call us at 703-620-5563, or send us an email here at info@aapplus.com!