November 2008

Warming Up For Winter

Winter is the harshest season when it comes to wear-and-tear on buildings. Not only does ice collect in cracks and spaces between bricks and masonry, contributing to facade deterioration, but salt also erodes surfaces, boilers and steam pipes work overtime, and more hours of darkness mean higher electrical and gas bills. By taking some relatively inexpensive preparatory and maintenance measures, however, a building owner can minimize damage and higher operating costs. Main Street Chillicothe is happy to supply you with a winterization checklist that is applicable to any buildings, old or new, as well as homes.

Snow and rain that collect on roofs can present a threat to the structural integrity of a building if the accumulated weight becomes too great. Remove leaves and debris from roof drains to prevent water from collecting and make sure water can flow freely through the gutters and downspouts. In addition to cleaning out gutters, clear snow from roofs and drains. Examine the roof slope to make sure water is not pooling at any areas on the roof and take special care with flat roofs, which can be especially susceptible this time of year. Because there is little evaporation, snow and water can collect and only be removed via drainage systems or manual means. After inspecting and cleaning the exterior, inspect the interior of the building for leaks during first heavy rain of the season specifically the basement or crawl space. This simple examination can alert you to any possible leaks or drainage issues early in the season. If needed, caulk any gaps in the exterior or interior for a temporary water tight seal. Lastly, after any extreme weather, inspect your building’s exterior for damage and the interior for roof leaks.

With heating costs getting higher and higher, it’s more important than ever for owners to make sure that their buildings are ready for winter inside and out. Check the weather stripping around your windows and doors. Windows should be properly sealed with weather proofing materials to prevent drafts. Weather stripping is a fairly economical and efficient way to ensure your heating bill stays low. Air infiltration is one of the worst causes of high energy bills. If applicable, install interior storm windows for winter.

Proper maintenance of heating equipment can assure maximum efficiency in the winter months. It can also reduce the risk of a malfunction, which otherwise could cause hazardous levels of carbon monoxide to enter your home or building. Do not allow any non-qualified person to service your heating equipment as persons working on heating equipment must be familiar with its operation and maintenance. Have your heating equipment cleaned and serviced yearly to insure its safe and efficient operation.

Now that you are armed with the information to adequately prepare your building or home for a supposed wooly winter season, we hope that your winter is warm and dry.

To learn more about the Main Street Program, both locally and nationally, visit the following sites: www.mainstreetchillicothemo.com and www.mainstreet.org.