The winter months can be difficult for homeowners in areas where the temperature drops below freezing. With ice, snow, and other natural occurrences like the wind to contend with, it's not too difficult to see how damage might happen. The good news is that there are some things you can do right now to help protect your property this winter.
First, protect your home from the cold weather with these quick tips:
-Install insulation in your attic and walls. This will help keep the heat inside your home.
-Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
-Put plastic over your windows to reduce the amount of cold air that enters your home.
-Hang heavy curtains or drapes on the south- and west-facing windows to insulate them from the sun's heat.
-Heating bills can be expensive, so consider installing a programmable thermostat that can save you money by automatically adjusting the temperature when you are not home.
-If you have a fireplace, make sure the flue is open when you are using it, and always use a screen to protect against sparks.
Prevent Water Damage To The Home
Water damage is one of the most common types of property damage to homes during the winter months. Water can get into your home in many ways, but here are some tips for keeping water away from your home's foundation and exterior walls: Avoid using sprinklers on cold nights when frost forms along rooflines because it will likely refreeze later at night if temperatures drop below freezing again. This seeping process could cause ice dams that lead to leaks inside your house or cracks in its structure. Clear branches away from roofs so they don't fall off due to heavy snowfall or high winds. Branches may also break under the weight of thick ice accumulations found near gutter systems leading towards the ground.
Be Prepared For A Power Outage
In the event that your power is out for an extended period of time, you want to make sure you're prepared. In addition to having a well-stocked pantry and plenty of drinking water on hand, there are other essentials every household should have to deal with this type of situation.
Protect Your Windows And Doors Against The Cold
Another way to prevent damage to your home this winter is by protecting your windows and doors from the cold. Make sure that all of your windows and doors are properly sealed with caulk or weatherstripping, and consider installing storm windows or doors to keep the cold out. You can also install insulation around your doors and windows to further insulate them from the cold.
Clean Gutters And Downspouts
It's important to clean your gutters and downspouts regularly during the winter, as they can easily become clogged with snow and ice. If the water doesn't have a way to drain off your roof, it can cause damage to your home's eaves, gables, and siding. Be sure to use a ladder when cleaning your gutters, and take care not to stand on icy surfaces. If you are still unsure you can look up 5 Reasons To Clean Your Gutters for some motivation.
Shut Off Your Water Supply In Bad Weather
One of the most important things you can do to protect your home from water damage is to shut off your water supply when bad weather is expected. If a winter storm knocks out power or causes flooding in your area, shutting off the water will help prevent extensive damage to your home. Make sure you have a plan in place for how you will turn off the water in case of an emergency.
Insulate Your Pipes
If you live in a cold climate, it's important to properly insulate your pipes to avoid freezing and bursting. You can buy insulation kits at most hardware stores or call a plumber to have them installed. Burst pipes are one of the most common sources of water damage in homes, so it's essential to take the proper precautions.
Create A Waterproof Barrier
If you have a basement or crawlspace, it's important to take steps to create a waterproof barrier between the living space of your home and the ground below. This can be done by installing a drainage system and sealing all cracks and seams around the foundation of your house. If water does manage to get into your basement or crawlspace, it will at least be contained there rather than spreading throughout your home.
There are many things you can do to protect your home from damage this winter. Follow these tips, and you'll be able to rest easy knowing your home is safe from the cold weather.