An Unpredictable Winter Ahead

A few days ago, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) released a report that said that this winter the Pacific Coast will be dominated by a weak La Niña. In the past, this has resulted in drier than normal winters in California. However, over the past few years, the opposite has occurred. Some of the most severe winters in recent years have happened while the Pacific was experiencing a weak La Niña. This year the CPC is forecasting a winter that will be either above or below average. These chances of the weather going either way are equal. In other words, Bay Area homeowners need to be prepared for almost any kind of weather over the next few months.

Is Your Bay Area Home Winter Ready?

Living in the Bay Area, we expect winters to be mild, and taking out a good umbrella and a warm jacket is about all the preparation normally required. However, heavy rain and thunderstorms are not uncommon and it’s always a good idea to be prepared for these weather events. A little preparation can save you a lot of grief later on. Three common problem areas are:

• Roofs and gutters: Cleaning the gutter and removing the dead leaves, debris, nests and other stuff that has been collected there over the summer is important. Blocked gutters can result in the build-up of “ice dams” which stop water from running off. This accumulated water could result in major damage to the roof.

• Attics, pipes and insulation: In case the temperature does go below freezing, pipes can crack or even burst as the water inside them freezes. Insulating pipes is the best way to prevent this from happening. If your home has a basement or attic, these are places where the heat loss in winter can be the greatest. Proper insulation and caulking can keep the loss within acceptable limits.

• Fireplaces: Cracks in the chimneys can allow cold air to get into the house. Dampers that have worn seals will also allow cold air to enter. And, of course, a blocked chimney can fill a home with smoke.

• Skylights: Skylights age over time and the most common problems with old skylights include cracks, fog build-up, leaks, accumulated dirt and grime and other impacts of weathering. Loss of heat is not the only problem. Leaks and even limited moisture ingress can not only cause damage to walls, floors, ceilings and furnishings over time – it can even cause structural damage.

You can get contractors to do most of the work needed to get your home ready for winter, but for skylights, which require special expertise, it is better to call in a skylight professional. He will be able to inspect the skylight, spot any existing or potential problem areas give you a clear picture of what the problems are. While repairing skylights is possible, problems will keep popping up in the future as the skylight gets even older. The best option is to replace a worn or damaged skylight.

At Sunlight Concepts we are proud to be the Premier Dealers for the Bay Area for Solatube, the world leader in skylights and ventilation technologies and products. Among our services is skylight replacement. There are various models available, including the solar powered Fresh Breeze model which opens and closes with a remote. There is also a built-in rain sensor that will automatically close the skylight if the weather turns inclement. Federal tax credits can save you hundreds of dollars when you buy a Solatube replacement skylight. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free consultation.

Bay Area winters are a great time to enjoy your home. With the proper preparation and a new skylight, you and your family can really make the most of the season.