# Prevent Winter Damage and Increase Energy Efficiency

> It’s not too early to tackle the yearly checkup of your old brick home. You don't need to hire a pro to get started, although it may be warranted under certain circumstances. You can take measures to prevent winter damage and get…
> URL: https://rendevdc.com/prevent-winter-damage-and-increase-energy-efficiency/
> Last modified: 2018-09-12T19:09:23+00:00

*It’s not too early to tackle the yearly checkup of your old brick home. You don’t need to hire a pro to get started, although it may be warranted under certain circumstances. You can take measures to prevent winter damage and get a boost in energy efficiency before the weather turns unfriendly. Here are some must-do items for your list. *

**1. Clean out your gutters and downspouts.** Clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and [damage your roof or brick facades.](/how-does-water-damage-cause-spalling-brick) **If you aren’t comfortable on a ladder, enlist the help of friends and family members or hire a professional service.**

**2. Identify and schedule exterior repairs.**  Look for signs of damage to the roof, siding, and foundation. If you spot anything that needs repair, schedule it before winter weather hits.  **Check brick facades for signs of mortar deterioration. **If you find crumbling mortar or spalling brick contact a masonry contractor with expertise in [traditional tuckpointing.](http://info.rendevdc.com/residential-exterior-tuckpointing)

**3. Turn off the water supply to exterior faucets.** Protect your [pipes from freezing](/how-to-protect-your-pipes-in-freezing-weather)temperatures before the weather dips below freezing. Disconnect and drain hoses and store them indoors.

**4. Schedule a chimney cleaning and heating system maintenance. **Make sure that your chimney is inspected and in good working condition.  If it needs brick and mortar repair, [contact a masonry contractor](/how-to-select-the-right-masonry-contractors-in-washington-dc/).  Making sure your chimney and furnace or boiler are cleaned, maintained and in working order before you need to turn on the heat is an important safety measure. 

**5.**** Conduct a home energy audit.** A trained auditor can assess your home’s current [energy efficiency](/energy-saving-advice-for-owners-of-historic-homes/) and give you a list of recommended improvements. Additional information on [professional home energy audits](https://www.dcseu.com/for-my-home/audits-air-sealing-insulation/audits) is provided online by the District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). 

Using tips from the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), you can conduct a [Do-It-Yourself Audit, ](https://doee.dc.gov/service/diy-home-energy-audit)which will enable you to identify and correct most problem areas.

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 *Renaissance Development, a leader in [brick restoration](http://info.rendevdc.com/about-us) and historic preservation, specializes in the restoration of a historic brick building’s mortar joints using traditional methods (tuck pointing) and materials. [Contact us ](https://rendevdc.com/contact/)for a free site visit and project quote.*