With winter just around the corner, now is the time to revisit common winter weather issues and prepare your home for the colder months ahead. We hope these winter prep tips will be helpful in preventing some frustrating winter-related home issues.
Burst pipes are one of the most widespread and expensive issues to be aware of. When frozen water inside a pipe causes the entire pipe to burst, it can lead to extensive water damage and mold in your flooring, drywall, or household appliances. The average claim for water and freezing damage is over $10,000.
You can easily prevent frozen pipes by insulating pipes in the basement, attic, and garage or installing an automatic water shut-off device. If temperatures dip below freezing, leave faucets dripping slightly to maintain water flow during extreme cold.
Consider these additional winter prep tips to help you get your home winter-weather-ready:
WINTER PREP TIPS:
- Inspect the roof — Check your roof (carefully!) for any loose or damaged shingles and make necessary repairs. Ensuring your roof is in good condition now will help prevent leaks and other issues caused by snow and ice.
- Clean gutters — Clear leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams. Ice dams can cause interior damage to your home without you knowing. Ensure the water flows freely away from your house.
- Seal windows and doors — Check for drafts around windows and doors, and use weather-stripping or caulking to seal any gaps.
- Service the heating system — Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or heating system to ensure it’s operating efficiently. Replace filters and address any issues to avoid breakdowns during the coldest months.
- Prepare the fireplace — If you have a fireplace, have it professionally cleaned and inspected. If it’s wood-burning, ensure the chimney is clear of obstructions, and stock up on firewood if you use it frequently.
- Check the insulation — Proper insulation in your attic, walls, and floors can help maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce energy costs. Add extra insulation if needed, especially in older homes.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — Replace and test batteries to ensure they function correctly. Remember, regardless of function, you should replace smoke alarms every 10 years from the date of manufacture (found on the back of the detector).
- Stock up on winter supplies — Ensure you have essential winter supplies, such as snow shovels, ice melt, and a good-quality snow blower if needed. Keep extra batteries and a first aid kit in case of power outages.
We hope you have a wonderful start to the winter season! And as always, never hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions or concerns!