Decorations and Weatherproofing


Do the decorations go up before the plastic or does the plastic go up before the decorations? To some, this is obvious and comes naturally. To others, like myself, this requires some thought and preparation.


It is no mystery Maine and New England gets some very cold winter days. It is also no mystery there are more older homes and buildings in this great state with leaky windows and doors than newer ones. How do we cope? Weatherproofing! With the cost of heating homes so high, the last thing anyone wants happening is wastefulness.

Where do we start?

Determining how you heat your home is the number one task as this is a factor in the tasks ahead. (Heating with oil, wood, electricity and gas all require different preparations for the cold.)

Check you windows for drafts. Choose a windy or colder day to do this so you can assess where to put the window insulation kits up more accurately.

Check the foundation of your home for any cracks in need of repair or broken windows.

Insulate your water heater and pipes.

Installing a door sweep or using a door cozy will keep out unwanted drafts and keep heat in better.

Weather stripping for door gaps and cracks will make the door close more snuggly to the frame and keep the cold out and heat in better.

If you're feeling really ambitious (and not a renter), you may wish to replace cracked caulking around your windows.

Make sure gutters and ridge vents are clear so ice doesn't form around backed-up debris causing your home to be surrounded by an ice cube.

Do your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work? Better check them!

Those plastic safety caps for electrical outlets are not only good for keeping little fingers (and other miscellaneous objects) away, but they can also be used to keep cold air from circulating through unused plugs.

Close off unused portions (if any) of your home - no sense heating a room no one is going to be in.

Keep your thermostat lowered at night and when you're away. The recommended temperature is between 65 and 70 to keep pipes from freezing.

Bring in your hoses and make sure your outside water taps are water free to prevent freezing.

How does this translate to decorating for the holidays?

The copyright of the article Decorations and Weatherproofing in Maine Culture is owned by Jenn Greenleaf. Permission to republish Decorations and Weatherproofing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic