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Yes, there are consequences to
not preparing for winter
by Roger Faris
Our Western Washington chilly season is so mild that it can hardly be called a winter. Many older homes have never had insulation in the attic, or weatherstripping around doors and windows. Water pipes are left exposed to the outside air. A few days of freezing weather might stimulate thoughts about home improvements, and perhaps a few emergency repairs, but many homeowners are content to leave things as they are. After all, spring is just around the corner.
The costs of failing to prepare for winter can be more than minor inconvenience and high heating bills. An unprotected home will deteriorate. The most serious weathering of of structure occurs during bad weather. With enough neglect, the old place will eventually qualify as a "fixer-upper". A lot of people seem to think that's "okey dokey".
Winter weather is hard on the house, but it also adds risk for the inhabitants. Dangerous exterior stairways are the cause of spectacular accidents. A nearly invisible coating of moss or ice will eliminate traction between the shoe and the stair tread. A sturdy handrail is the only hope of rescue, and all too often it is just not there. Preventing this situation might involve using moss removal products, rock salt, sand, or other non-skid coatings. Installing a good handrail is a more challenging job, since providing proper support sometimes requires major structural repairs. An alternative to these chores is to just wait and see what develops. This might be a good way to get better acquainted with your insurance agent, who may be a really nice person.
Fire safety is another important issue for this season. Electric space heaters are sometimes placed too close to combustible material, or they cause fires due to a loose connection to the wall socket. Heaters may contribute to the overloading of old house wiring. A faulty extension cord can also start a house fire. Woodstoves, untended candles, and many other hazards all add up to a good reason for installing reliable smoke detectors. The best systems detect fires in each bedroom, hallway, and on each level of the house. They are powered by a 115 volt electrical circuit, with battery back-up. They are also inter-wired, so that if one detector is activated, they all sound the alarm. If fire safety is just too much bother, you could look forward to one bright thing about a blaze on your block. When all the neighbors come out to watch the fire fighters, everyone talks and gets acquainted. It's a social time.
A furnace checkup is another requirement for ensuring a safe passage through winter. Many houses have a furnace flue that is partly blocked by an accumulation of deteriorated mortar, ash, and other debris. This can be a life-threatening condition. A furnace service expert can check the condition of the flue, the safety shutoff systems, and can also maintain the unit for maximum efficiency. The cost is repaid.
The threats to life and limb deserve the highest priority, but we can now turn our attention to the main cause of home deterioration. In our region, the problem is water. The roof is our first line of defense, and it needs to be checked before the really wet season begins. Flaws are sometimes discovered where the roof shingles meet a chimney, sewer vent pipe, or dormer wall. These connections should be made with metal flashing which prevents water from finding its way into the structure. All too often the joint is actually made with roof cement or caulk. This works for a year or two, but must be resealed before water enters and starts to cause trouble. It is best to do this maintenance during dry weather, with the use of good safety equipment. You may not be comfortable doing the task, and it's sometimes hard to find someone else who will climb around up there. You might consider moving to Arizona.
The gutter, downspout, and drainage system need to be cleared of the fallen leaves. If they are clogged or leaking, there is a chance of rapid deterioration of exterior paint and other exposed elements of the house. Ignoring the drainage system might also lead to a basement flood. Foundation settlement is another possibility, since discharging water next to the house can turn the soil into mud. Sometimes the perimeter of the house will sink a bit, while the center support remains solid. You could think of the result as adding rustic charm, or you might develop a nautical theme. More then one home buyer has believed the story about how the place was built by a sea captain. Of course, he wanted a familiar "crown in the deck".
Home energy efficiency also deserves some attention. This is all about keeping warm and comfortable at reasonable cost. Most houses need weather stripping improvements around doors and windows. This is the time of year when the local hardware stores have displays of products which are easy to use, and which quickly pay for themselves by reducing heating costs. Adding insulation, particularly in the attic, is another investment with a rapid return. The best source for the facts, figures, and installation details is the Washington Energy Extension Service. Call 296-5640 for free literature. Alternative approaches could involve wearing lots of warm clothing, or you might keep cozy by buying and burning more fuel. That is an all too popular solution.
Our mild and wet winter can bring one more threat to happiness and well being. This challenge comes in the form of little green and black spots of mould and mildew, growing on damp surfaces. It happens when water vapor in our humid houses comes into contact with cool surfaces, causing condensation. The droplets encourage mildew production in the bathroom, the closets, on walls behind the furniture, or in the attic. Effective counter-measures include reducing the main sources of indoor humidity. You might explore ways to dry up a wet basement or crawlspace. It may be necessary to cut back on an impressive collection of house plants. That large stack of green firewood could be moved from indoors to an outdoor shed. A complementary strategy involves adding ventilation so that water vapor is quickly expelled. We all need kitchen and bath exhaust fans, and an adequate number of attic vents. Finally, it helps to keep all surfaces warm. Storm windows help to keep the primary windows above the dew point. A well designed forced air heating system can keep mildew at bay. It's best to keep clothes in your closets from touching cold exterior walls. Leave the closet doors open so that the heated air can circulate. Or close those doors and wait for your boots to turn green. It's a pretty color.
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