With Winter literally punching us in the mouth this weekend, I thought it would be good to review some basic tips on how to best guard our homes from the brunt of what we often face this time of year.
Winter weather can be harsh on your home. Cold temperatures, ice, snow, and strong winds can cause damage if you don’t prepare. The most important thing you can do to protect your home from Winter weather is to “Winterize” it. Winterizing means taking steps to keep your home safe, warm, and in good condition throughout the cold months. Let’s look at some key ways to do this.
1. Seal Up Drafts and Leaks
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your home is to seal drafts and air leaks. Cold air can enter your home through gaps in windows, doors, and walls, making it harder to keep the house warm. To prevent this, inspect your home for drafts. Use weatherstripping around doors and caulk around windows to seal any gaps. Check for cracks in the walls or foundation and fill them in. These small fixes can save energy and lower your heating bills.
2. Insulate Your Home
Insulation helps keep heat inside your home during the Winter. Check your attic, walls, and basement for proper insulation. If you notice cold spots or high heating bills, it may mean your insulation needs improvement. Adding insulation is especially important in the attic because heat rises and escapes through the roof if the attic isn’t properly insulated. This will make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
3. Protect Your Pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to burst, leading to expensive repairs. To protect your pipes, wrap them with insulation or heat tape, especially those in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Let faucets drip slightly during extremely cold weather to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes. Also, know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case you need to turn off the water quickly.
4. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause serious problems in the Winter. When gutters are full of leaves and debris, melting snow and ice can’t flow through them properly. This can lead to ice dams, where water backs up and seeps into your roof or walls. To prevent this, ideally clean out your gutters before Winter wholly arrives. Make sure they are securely attached to your home and that downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
5. Maintain Your Heating System
Your heating system is essential for staying warm during the Winter. Before the cold weather hits, have your furnace or heating system inspected and serviced by a professional. Replace filters regularly to keep it running efficiently. If you use a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to make sure it’s safe to use. Space heaters can be helpful, but always use them safely and keep them away from flammable materials.
6. Trim Trees and Check Your Roof
Winter storms can bring strong winds and heavy snow, which can damage your roof and nearby trees. Check your roof for loose or damaged shingles and make repairs as needed. Trim any tree branches that hang over your home, as they could fall under the weight of snow or ice. A little maintenance now can save you from big problems later.
7. Keep an Emergency Kit
Even with the best preparation, Winter storms can cause power outages or other emergencies. Keep an emergency kit in your home with essentials like flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, water, and a first-aid kit. A portable generator can also be helpful, but make sure to use it safely outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Protecting your home from Winter weather doesn’t have to be difficult. By sealing drafts, insulating your home, protecting your pipes, cleaning gutters, maintaining your heating system, and preparing for emergencies, you can keep your home safe and warm all Winter long. A little effort now will help you avoid costly repairs and enjoy as cozy a Winter season as possible.
