When the chilly months roll in, snuggle up by the fireplace. However, as a homeowner, you need to make sure your home is ready to bear the winter elements. It will save you from costly and arduous repairs that you might have to deal with in the dead of winter.
Here are five ways you can prepare your home for the cold months.
Clean the Gutters
There is increased rainfall when winter comes, so you need to make sure that your home can handle it. Cleaning out your gutters is not a fun task, but it is crucial if you want to save your roof and gutters from damage.
If your gutters are clogged, they can overflow then break, which can put a lot of strain on your roof. You should clean your gutters in the early fall before the snow arrives. Do not forget to check the draining system. Look at your basement to search for mildew and water damage stains because those are signs of draining system problems.
Haul Snow
While the snow may look lovely in your front yard, it could pose several threats to your safety. For instance, you could easily slip and fall on your stairs or driveway or simply be stuck and not able to get your car out of the garage.
Make sure you keep your yard free of snow as much as you can. However, it can be an overwhelming task to complete on your own, which is why it’s ideal you find a company that offers services for snow hauling in your area.
Weatherproof the Windows and Doors
If you want to make sure that your house can handle the winter weather, then you should weatherproof the doors and windows. Carefully look at your doors and windows to look for areas and gaps that can create drafts. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them up easily. However, if the problems are severe, then you may want to replace them.
Inspect the Fireplace
It may be nice to warm up by the fireplace in the winter, but get it checked before you light it up. Clogged chimneys can crease house fires along with carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you get your chimney inspected once a year, and get a chimney sweep as well. Be sure that the flue of your chimney works properly. That way, you will not experience drafts while you are not using your chimney.
Avoid Frozen Pipes
One of the biggest pains of winter is frozen pipes. If the water in your pipe freezes, it will expand and put a lot of pressure on your pipes, which can make them break. There are simple ways you can avoid busted and frozen pipes.
A simple way is to make sure the heat is always on in your home. Another method you can try is to let the faucets drip. That way, the water will continue to flow to make it more difficult for the water to get frozen.
It is crucial to get your home ready for the winter. It will keep your home and everyone inside safe.
