Homeowners know that winter brings about a myriad of chores to complete before the cold weather hits. As the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, now is the time to start prepping your home for winter.
While some may dread this time of year, it doesn’t have to be a hassle. With some work, you can go a long way in keeping yourself comfortable all season long. By following these tips, you can make sure your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter is to inspect your roof and gutters. These aspects of your home are vital in protecting you from the elements, so it’s essential to ensure they are in good condition.
Start by checking for any loose or missing shingles. If you find any, replace them as soon as possible. Also, look at your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are debris-free. Clogged drains might cause water to freeze, leading to ice dams that can damage your gutters and roof.
If you don’t feel comfortable climbing up on your roof, hire a professional to do an inspection and take care of any necessary repairs or maintenance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Stock Up On Winter Supplies
Another critical element of preparing your home for winter is stocking up on essential supplies. The weather can take a turn for the worse at any time, so it’s always best to be ready.
That includes everything from a shovel to a stock of salt or sand on hand to help with traction if you live in an area with a lot of snowfall. And if you have a fireplace, now is the time to stock up on wood, so you have enough to last throughout the entire season.
When you have everything you need on hand, you can avoid making last-minute trips to the store in dangerous weather conditions. Plus, you’ll be more prepared in an emergency like a power outage. As a result, you and your family can weather any storm that comes your way.
Cut Down Harmful Branches and Posts
Trees and shrubs can provide your home extra protection from the winter elements. But if they are overgrown, they can do more harm than good.
Before the snow and ice arrive, take a walk around your property and look for any dead or loose branches. These limbs can fall and damage your home or injure someone walking by. Cut them down to avoid any accidents or costly repairs. You should also trim back any bushes or shrubs close to your home. Overhanging branches can scrape up against your siding and break windows. Trimming them can minimize the risk of damage to your home.
If you’re unsure how or where to start, you can always hire an expert tree care service to help. These professionals can also advise you on how to best care for your trees and shrubs to stay healthy all winter.
Prepare Your Plumbing
As temperatures start to dip, preventing your pipes from freezing is essential. The last thing you want is a pipe burst in the middle of winter. To avoid this costly repair, there are some steps you can take to prepare your plumbing.
First, start by insulating your pipes. This step will help keep the lines from freezing and bursting when the mercury drops. You can also find pre-slit foam pipe insulation at most hardware stores. Just cut it to size and slip it over your pipes for an extra layer of protection.
You should also disconnect any hoses from your outdoor faucets and drain them before winter arrives. If water is left in the hose, it can freeze and cause the tap to break. Once the hose is disconnected, open up the outside faucet to allow any remaining water to drain.
Finally, it’s a good idea to know where your main water shut-off valve is located. Doing so will come in handy if a pipe does freeze and burst. You can quickly turn off the water to minimize the amount of damage.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure your plumbing will withstand the cold weather and prevent costly repairs.
Now that you know how to prepare your home for winter, it’s time to start. Tackling these tasks one by one will help ensure that your home is ready for whatever winter throws its way—and that you stay comfortable all season long.
