Cold temperatures and freezing water can wreak havoc on your house and yard. It’s a good idea to get a head start and winterize your property before the first snowfall!
Take preventative measures against freezing temperatures to save yourself from potential damage and costly repairs down the road.
1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your home. It’s good practice to inspect your roof at least once a year. If you’re comfortable with it, get up close and personal with your roof using a ladder! Otherwise, you can do an inspection from the safety of the ground with a pair of binoculars. Experts say to look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles and don’t overlook cracked or worn rubber around vent pipes or masses of moss!
Gutters should be inspected and cleaned twice a year – in the spring and in the fall. If your gutters are full of debris, water can back up and damage roofing, siding, and wood trim – plus leaks and ice dams. Full gutters make great homes for rodents and other pests!
2. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Winter drafts show you where you are losing heat, which can lead to a cold night and the potential dangers that come with cold like respiratory infections, trouble sleeping and even cardiovascular disease. Block drafts to save money and prevent illness or injury by sealing gaps in windows, doors, or walls.
3. Inspect Your Heating System
It’s important to inspect your heating system before the freezing weather arrives so you know your family stays cozy, comfortable and safe! Having a professional clean and tune your furnace can help your system run more efficiently.
4. Clean Your Chimney and Fireplace
Before you burn the cozy Yule log, make sure your fireplace, chimney, and vents are in tip-top shape and ready to go! The National Fire Protection Association recommends having heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a professional. Avoid burning
When you burn wood or pellets in your fireplace, it leaves behind ash and a carbon residue known as creosote. Creosote is incredibly flammable and can turn a small flame into a blazing inferno in no time. That’s where a chimney sweep comes in handy. Their job is to whisk away the soot and any pesky blockages, making your fireplace and chimney not only safer but also more enjoyable. So, you can enjoy the warmth of your fire with peace of mind!
>> Stay Safe With These Fire Safety Tips
5. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Pipes can freeze and burst when temperatures dip below 32 degrees. Even a tiny crack in a pipe can spew enough water to cause flooding or structural damage! To help keep your pipes from freezing you can insulate pipes, seal leaks, secure outdoor hoses, vales, and faucets.
6. Check Your Trees
Winter snow can be heavy and even healthy tree branches are at risk of breaking under the weight. It’s important to cut back branches that hang over your home, this will help you avoid damage to your roof, porch, or siding.
Safety Tips for Seasonal Decorating
