Home Projects to Tackle This January

It has been quite a snowy start to 2022 in Central Virginia. As we try to dig out from all of our recent winter weather, Cardinal has some projects you can tackle to help ensure your home is ready for more winter storms or whatever Winter 2022 will bring!

Generator Maintenance

Make sure you are ready for the next storm by checking on your generator. Check fuel and oil levels first – with generators not being used regularly, the fuel can go bad unless a stabilizer is used. Another option is to use non-ethanol gas. Running your generator every few months is a good practice. If your generator has a fuel shutoff valve, it is good to let it run out of gas before storing it away. Make sure air filters are clean. Cardinal has generator power cords, boxes, and generators for rent in Madison if you need any accessories.

Keep the Heat In

Check around your door insulation and replace weatherstripping, caulk, and other products as needed. Our recent article covers some of the insulation essentials you need, like pipe insulation, faucet protectors, and more. Among the most critical places to insulate this winter are faucets and pipes to prevent expensive repairs.

It is also a good time to identify if any areas in your home need some extra insulation, or if it can be replaced with better quality insulation. For our area, experts recommend the following:

• Attics: R38 to R50
• 2×4 Walls – R13 to R15
• 2×6 Walls – R19 to R21
• Floors – R25 to R30
• Crawlspaces – R25 to R30

Caulking

Good quality caulk will seal up any holes during the winter. It is important to store caulk in a warm place where it will not freeze; experts also recommend using silicone caulk during colder temperatures, as it is waterproof and does not freeze in cold temperatures. Check the caulk around the exterior perimeter of leaky windows and in the cracks between the interior trim and the wall.

Do you have any questions about these projects or want to start one of your own? Contact our stores – we can help!