The Mountain West state of Maine has long been characterized by rugged natural beauty and extreme winter weather. For people looking to buy a home in this gorgeous part of the U.S., the season can cause unique challenges and questions.
The winter in Maine can be hard on a house, no matter how well insulated or built it may be. From prolonged exposure to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures to the wrath of the sea and occasional blizzards, owning a home in the mountain west region of Maine requires adaptation and strategy.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps homeowners can take to better protect their new Maine home through the long winter. Read on for a few tips on how to best prepare your house for winter survival.
Insulation
Insulation is one of the most important steps to maintaining the integrity of your home against winter weather. Properly insulated windows and doors can prevent cold air drafts through the house and help keep your house snug and warm. The right insulation can also help reduce utility bills — a bonus in the New England winter.
Investing in solid, property-wide insulation is a great way to improve both the longevity of your house and your winter energy costs. Properties with thick exterior walls, such as brick and stone, don’t require as much insulation, but it can still be beneficial.
Maintenance
During the winter months, it’s essential to give attention to your home’s maintenance needs more frequently. It’s important to both check on things like your furnace, as well as look for any signs of moisture or frozen pipes. It also helps to check the condition of the roof and clear away any snow or ice build up, as well as trim any trees or branches near the house.
Conducting regular maintenance both indoors and out is an easy way to prevent crises associated with winter weather. If you’re renting, your landlord should typically be more than willing to assist or perform the necessary maintenance.
Finally, prepare a small maintenance kit in case you’re ever in a pinch; including things like spare batteries, ice melts, a mini-shovel, and a flashlight. These items can make a huge difference in the Maine winter.
Accessories
In addition to the interior of your house, the outdoor environment and accessories should also be considered during the winter season. Consider obtaining items such as snow blowers, salt spreaders, and heavy-duty snow shovels to help make the job of clearing the driveway or walkway easy.
You should also have extra scrap lumber or 2x4s handy for placing and shoring up any icy walkways or access points. Tarps can be useful for covering any items that may be left outside or on the porch, and ice melt or sand can be applied to prevent and treat slippery spots on walkways.
Preparing for Winter Challenges in Maine
- Insulate windows and doors
- Check furnace, pipes, and roof condition regularly
- Obtain snow removal accessories (snow blower, shovels, salt, etc.)
- Keep extra lumber and tarps handy
Conclusion
Mountain West homeownership comes with unique challenges, particularly during the winter months. With a bit of preparation, however, Maine homeowners can stay on top of the season’s distinctive climate. By better understanding winter hazards and investing in a few key pieces of equipment, homeowners can enjoy a comfortable winter season.