Home inspection company says now is the time for winterization preps ahead of deep freeze

SUFFOLK, Va. — The coldest weather of the season is on its way early next week. 13News Now has issued a Weather Impact Alert for early Monday, December 15, as a powerful Arctic air mass will push its way into the region, causing temperatures to plummet into the high teens and low 20s.

Local home inspection company Quality Home Inspections says this weekend is the time to winterize your home, ahead of the huge temperature drop.

Lori Topping Bailey, the Chief Administration Officer for Quality Home Inspections, said family is at the forefront of their business. So much so, owners Sandra and Floyd Gibbs invite trainees to their Suffolk home to teach practical skills of home weatherization.

“They have to not only get through Sandra and Floyd, but they have to inspect this house and tell us everything that’s wrong with it,” said Bailey.

Bailey took us around the home to see some of the ways homeowners can prepare their house for what is about to be the coldest stretch of this year… starting with areas where water runs.

“Like this spigot,” Bailey pointed out. “Typically, we have this wrapped. Somebody can use rags, or they can even use plastic if they want.”

Bailey also warns about window insulation.

“You’re going to want to make sure all of the windows are caulked from the outside. You’re going to want to make sure they’re also caulked from the inside,” says Bailey. “I know that Lowe’s does sell kits; I think the Dollar Tree also had them.”

Home Quality Inspections also has a winter energy audit checklist, reminding homeowners to look at insulation in spots like attics and basements, to check the filter of your furnace, and to drip faucets near exterior windows.

Bailey said the goal of the audit is to help you save money by being able to make these adjustments yourself. Crews with Quality Home Inspections say that if you have any questions about their Winter Energy Audit, you can always give them a call.

Here is their winter weatherization checklist:

• Roof: damaged shingles, inadequate ventilation, ice dam potential
• Siding: cracks, gaps, worn caulking
• Windows/Doors: drafts, failing seals, weatherstripping issues
• Foundation/Crawlspace: insulation gaps, cold air infiltration

• Insulation: attic depth. baffles, attic access sealing, wall/floor insulation
• Windows/Doors: drafts, condensation, single-pane concerns
• Air Leakage Points: attic hatch, outlets, plumbing penetrations, recessed lights

• HVAC/Furnace: operation, filter condition, duct insulation, age/efficiency
• Thermostat: accuracy, programming, smart upgrade option
• Fireplace/Chimney: damper closure, air loss areas

• Water heater insulation & temperature
• Hot water pipe insulation
• Dripping faucets & exterior bibs winterized
• Plumbing in crawlspace/exterior protected

• Major appliance efficiency (ENERGY STAR)
• Bathroom/kitchen ventilation
• LED lighting recommendations

• Humidity levels appropriate for winter
• Effective ventilation in moisture-producing rooms
• Condensation indicators noted

• Gutters clear before freeze
• Heat pump winter settings
• Insulation or weatherization recommendations
• Storm windows/doors (if applicable)