Preparing Your Home for Winter: Essential Repairs and Maintenance Tips

Drafty doors and windows are among the most common culprits for energy loss during the winter. Even small gaps can let in cold air, driving up heating costs and making your home less comfortable. 

Identifying Drafts 

• Visual Inspection: Look for visible gaps or cracks around the frames of doors and windows. 

• Feel for Air Leaks: On a windy day, hold your hand near edges of doors and windows to detect airflow. 

• Candle Test: Light a candle and slowly move it around the edges of doors and windows. Flickering indicates a draft. 

Solutions 

• Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows to create a tight seal. 

• Caulking: Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps in stationary parts, such as window frames. 

• Draft Stoppers: Place draft stoppers at the base of exterior doors for added insulation. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

Our team can identify and seal drafts efficiently, ensuring that your home stays warm and energy-efficient all winter long. For doors with significant gaps or damage, we offer professional door replacement services for a perfect, draft-free fit. 

Inspect and Repair Exterior Trim 

Exterior trim installation serves as both a protective barrier and a decorative feature. Over time, exposure to weather can cause trim to crack, warp, or separate, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage and pests. 

Why Exterior Trim Maintenance Matters 

• Protects against moisture infiltration, which can lead to rot or mold. 

• Seals gaps that can let in cold air or small animals seeking warmth. 

• Enhances your home’s curb appeal during the winter season. 

Key Steps for Trim Maintenance 

• Inspection: Look for signs of damage, such as peeling paint, cracked wood, or gaps between the trim installation and siding. 

• Cleaning: Remove debris, dirt, and mold to ensure the trim is in good condition. 

• Repairs: Replace damaged sections or fill cracks with wood filler and repaint to protect the wood from further exposure. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

We specialize in inspecting and repairing exterior trim, ensuring it’s not only visually appealing but also structurally sound. If your trim installation needs significant replacement, our team provides expert installation services using durable materials designed to withstand harsh winters. 

Ensure Doors Are Properly Aligned 

Misaligned doors can cause drafts, difficulty opening and closing, and even energy loss during the winter months. Ensuring that your doors are aligned and functioning correctly is a simple but effective way to prepare for colder weather. 

Signs of Door Misalignment 

• Doors that stick or don’t close completely. 

• Gaps around the doorframe, particularly at the top or bottom. 

• Visible wear on the weatherstripping from uneven contact. 

How to Fix Misaligned Doors 

• Tighten Hinges: Loose hinges can cause the door to sag. Tightening them may correct minor alignment issues. 

• Adjust Strike Plate: Misaligned strike plates can prevent the door from latching properly. Adjusting or replacing the plate can fix this issue. 

• Replace Weatherstripping: If the door alignment causes excessive wear on weatherstripping, replace it to maintain a proper seal. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

Our door replacement and repair services ensure that your doors are perfectly aligned and insulated. Whether it’s adjusting hinges or replacing an outdated door, we provide solutions tailored to your needs. 

Prepare Your Heating System 

Your heating system is your first line of defense against winter’s chill. Ensuring it’s in top working condition is essential for maintaining a warm and energy-efficient home. 

Heating System Checklist 

• Replace Filters: Dirty filters reduce efficiency and strain the system. Replace them every 1-3 months during winter. 

• Inspect the Furnace: Look for signs of wear, unusual noises, or delayed start-ups. 

• Clean Ducts and Vents: Remove dust and debris from ducts and vents to improve airflow and reduce allergens. 

• Test the Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is functioning properly and consider upgrading to a programmable model for energy savings. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

While we focus on home repairs and handyman services, we can assist with basic maintenance tasks like vent cleaning and connecting you with trusted HVAC professionals for system inspections and repairs. 

Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing 

Frozen pipes are a common and costly issue during winter. Taking steps to insulate exposed pipes can prevent freezing, bursting, and water damage. 

Tips for Pipe Insulation 

• Identify Vulnerable Pipes: Focus on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. 

• Use Pipe Insulation: Wrap pipes in foam or fiberglass insulation to keep them warm. 

• Seal Gaps: Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps around pipes that pass through exterior walls. 

• Let Faucets Drip: On particularly cold nights, allow faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip to prevent freezing. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

Our handyman team can help identify and insulate exposed pipes, ensuring your plumbing is protected from winter’s worst. 

Clean Gutters and Downspouts 

Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause water to back up under your roof and leak into your home. Cleaning your gutters before winter ensures proper drainage and reduces the risk of damage. 

Steps for Gutter Maintenance 

• Remove Debris: Clear leaves, twigs, and dirt from gutters and downspouts. 

• Check for Damage: Inspect for cracks, sagging, or loose connections. 

• Install Gutter Guards: Consider adding guards to prevent debris buildup throughout the winter. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

We offer seasonal maintenance services, including gutter cleaning and minor repairs, to keep your home safe from winter water damage. 

Inspect and Seal the Roof 

Your roof is your home’s shield against snow and ice. Ensuring it’s in good condition before winter prevents costly repairs and heat loss. 

Roof Maintenance Tips 

• Inspect for Damage: Look for loose or missing shingles, cracked flashing, or sagging areas. 

• Clear Debris: Remove leaves and branches to prevent moisture buildup. 

• Seal Leaks: Use roofing sealant to address small leaks or gaps. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

While we don’t specialize in full roof replacements, our team can assist with minor repairs and trim installation and recommend trusted roofing professionals for more extensive needs. 

Weatherproof Windows for Maximum Efficiency 

Windows are another common source of heat loss during the colder months. Even with energy-efficient windows, older seals and minor damage can let in cold air, increasing heating costs and making your home less comfortable. Proper weatherproofing ensures that your windows work effectively as a barrier against winter weather. 

Steps to Weatherproof Your Windows 

• Inspect Seals and Frames: Check for cracks, peeling caulk, or gaps around the window frames. 

• Apply Window Insulation Film: This affordable solution creates an extra layer of insulation and reduces drafts. 

• Replace Old Caulking: Remove any old or damaged caulk around the window frame and reapply fresh caulk to seal gaps. 

• Install Heavy Curtains or Thermal Blinds: These provide additional insulation while enhancing your home’s décor. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

Our team can inspect your windows and provide weatherproofing solutions tailored to your home. From resealing frames to installing insulation film, we ensure your windows are winter-ready, keeping your home warm and energy-efficient. 

Upgrade Your Home’s Interior with Small Enhancements 

While much of winter preparation focuses on repairs and maintenance, it’s also an excellent time to tackle small interior upgrades that make your home cozier and more functional during the colder months. These upgrades can improve your living space and provide comfort while you’re spending more time indoors. 

Simple Interior Projects to Consider 

• Replace Interior Doors: Update old or damaged doors with new ones for a more polished look and better room insulation. 

• New Trim Installation or Molding: Add crown molding, baseboards, or other decorative trim to enhance the aesthetics of your living space. 

• Upgrade Lighting: Install energy-efficient LED bulbs or add dimmer switches to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

• Assemble or Install Furniture: Winter is a great time to organize and refresh your living spaces by assembling new furniture or adding built-in shelving. 

How Kaufman Specialties Can Help: 

Our handyman services cover a range of interior projects, including door replacement, trim installation, and furniture assembly. Let us handle the details while you enjoy a more comfortable and inviting home this winter. 

Why Choose Kaufman Specialties for Winter Prep? 

Preparing your home for winter can be a daunting task, but Kaufman Specialties is here to make it easier. Here’s why homeowners in Salem, OR trust us: 

• Experienced Professionals: With over 25 years of experience, we bring expertise and reliability to every project. 
• Comprehensive Services: From door replacement to handyman repairs, we offer a wide range of solutions tailored to your home’s needs. 
• Customer-Focused Approach: We prioritize clear communication, quality workmanship, and your satisfaction in every job we undertake. 
• Local Expertise: As a locally owned and operated business, we understand the unique challenges of preparing homes in Salem, OR for winter. 

Get Ready for Winter Today 

Don’t let winter catch you unprepared. With proper repairs and maintenance, you can protect your home, improve comfort, and reduce energy costs. Contact Kaufman Specialties today to schedule your winter preparation services. From sealing drafts to repairing trim installation and aligning doors, we’re here to help you enjoy a safe and stress-free winter season.