As winter approaches, what we really want to do is to concentrate on decorating our homes, yards, and gazebos for the holidays. What we really have to do, however, is to winterize our homes against the oncoming weather and its sky-high heating bills. Luckily, there are many preparations that we can make, many of which are points of regular maintenance, that will keep our fuel and repair costs down.
One thing that we can do is to clean our gutters. We’ve all heard that a million times, but, because it’s such a detestable chore, many of us neglect it; and those who clean them often do it in the spring. That’s fine, but it’s crucial that the fall leaves be removed before the snow and ice arrive. So, let’s get our ladders.
Wearing gloves, clean as much out by hand as you can; then, use a scraper to remove any built-up dirt and gunk inside. After you have gotten everything out, rinse the gutters thoroughly with a hose, so that snow, rain, and sleet can drain properly. Otherwise, ice jams can form, causing water to back up and, perhaps, seep into the house.
While you’re up there, check for leaks, dents, and crooked pipes, and make sure that the downspouts are taking the water at least ten feet away from the foundation of the house, so that it cannot cause flooding or other damage.
On the other side of the gutters, you have the attic. Although it may cost a bit to do this, putting some additional insulation up there will save you a ton in the long run. No matter what your local climate, you need at least twelve inches of insulation in your attic. You can judge in an instant whether or not you have an adequate amount, simply by looking. If your ceiling joists are visible, the insulation is insufficient, because joists are normally ten or eleven inches. If you do put one or more layers on top of the existing insulation, do not use the type with paper backing, as it traps moisture, which can cause another set of problems.
Of course, another option is to move into your gazebo for the winter. It’s a move that’s becoming more popular every year. All over the country, people are equipping their gazebos with all of the comforts, including electricity, plumbing, and hot tubs, and using them for guesthouses, summerhouses, and even winter houses. GazeboCreations.com offers fully insulated treated pine, cedar, and vinyl gazebos that are designed to withstand – and shut out – the harshest weather.
At GazeboCreations.com, you can choose a pre-designed gazebo, or customize your own, using the Gazebo Wizard. In a few easy steps, you can select the material, size, and style that you want, then choose from dozens of options, including different types of flooring, insulation, decorative railings, wiring, fans, cupolas, roofing material and color, and much more. You can create as many gazebos as you wish, save them to your personal gallery, and change them any time you like.
GazeboCreations.com also has professional design consultants and customer service representatives who are always ready to assist you. To contact them, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail cs@gazebocreations.com.