Fall is here, and while we’re lucky to enjoy mild temperatures in West Florida, the cool, crisp season can cause complications in your house or condo and rack up your utility bills. Winterizing your home can stop winter air from entering interior spaces, prevent system malfunctions, and protect you from unwanted critters. Here are some steps to begin your home winterization project.

Check your roof and gutters. 

Sarasota and West Florida are no strangers to the occasional cold snap each winter. Managing water flow in your house gutters and downspouts is essential. Any obstructions like leaves and debris can cause water to collect. If the temperature falls below freezing, those materials can freeze and break, leaving your house at risk of leaks and structural damage. 

Securing shingles will also prevent water from seeping into your home. Ice inside your roof can also cause leaks that can lead to a roof collapse.

Trap warm air inside. 

Keeping cold outside air where it belongs will help keep your home warm, and you won’t need as much energy to run your heater. Adding weatherstripping around doorways and windows will prevent outside drafts from entering your home. Inspect door seals, sweeps, thresholds and window sills to ensure there are no gaps for air to enter.

If you have ceiling fans, set them to rotate clockwise at a slow speed. This will help circulate warm air throughout the room.

Inspect your attic. 

Attics are not as well insulated as living spaces. Cold air entering from attic spaces can be counterintuitive when you’re trying to stay warm downstairs. Survey the space for any openings for outside air to enter and apply caulking where needed. A smoke pencil will help in detecting those hard-to-see gaps. Watch where the smoke travels to determine if there is space for outdoor air penetration.

Sealing any gaps will also protect your home from rodents looking for warmth and shelter!

Protect your lanai furniture.

Outdoor living is only enjoyable when your furniture stays intact. When you’re not using your outdoor furniture, wipe it down and store it away. If you don’t have garage space or a shed, you can cover them with tarp. Unprotected furniture can quickly deteriorate and damage in the cold, especially if temperatures hit below freezing overnight. Storing and protecting your furniture will increase their lifespan. Once spring returns, they’ll be prime and ready for you to return to basking under the sun in your lanai. 

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The winter months, even in Florida, can cause complications to a home. Preparation today will protect it from severe damages and maintain your indoor space as a cozy haven. Additionally, if you’re buying or selling a home, pay close attention to winterization features because any visible vulnerabilities could affect purchasing decisions. For any questions, contact me at AmyChapman@michaelsaunders.com or 941-225-1500.