The winter season is composed of a few months for the family to stay inside and relax together. This is an awaited time of the year when we can all wear our nice and cozy winter clothes, drink hot chocolate, and sit by the fire with our loved ones, catching up for the lost time from school and work. To attain these picturesque winter moments, we have to prepare well for the harshest that the cold can bring.
As we all know, many problems can arise when the snow starts to fall and pile up. The home can become a source of problems instead of a safe space for our family. So it is essential to take these preventive steps to prevent the many costly repairs for damages due to the drop in temperature.
Check the gutters and waterways
Check your gutters and waterways. These areas can be filled with leaves, dirt, and other debris that can clog the systems and cause problems later. Clear them out with your hands, especially the larger clutter, then with a hose to let the remaining dirt flow down. Also, check for problems in your gutters. Watch out for loose fixtures, gaps, and sagging, as these might worsen when snow and ice start to build upon your gutters.
Check the roof
Aside from the gutters, the roof itself must be checked for any leaks and damages. Start by looking from afar to see if there are sinking areas, especially near the gutters, where snow can pile up and cause ice dams. Next, check for holes and broken or lifting shingles where water can seep in and expand to cause further damage. Have these repaired early to minimize the chances of leaks into the interior of your home.
Check your heating system
Your heating system will probably be working around the clock throughout the winter season, so it is essential to check the hardware for any damages that need to be repaired immediately. Maintaining your furnace makes sure that everything is working properly from the wiring, the mechanical workings of the unit, and the filters so a professional inspection may be employed. If you have one, the fireplace should also be checked and cleaned, especially the chimney, which may be dirty with dust, leaves, and nests that can catch on fire.
Check for leaks around the house
Water leaks can form on your roof and windows. These can be dangerous as the water will expand once it freezes and can cause damage to your home. Air leaks can also be found on doors and windows, which will let out the heated air. These will make you work your heating system, even more, directly increasing your utility bill. So check for leaks even before the cold season starts to settle.
Protect your pipes from freezing
Your pipes are in danger of busting when winter arrives. Stored water in these pipes can freeze, expand, and burst your pipes which might hinder your winter relaxation and require expensive repairs. To prevent this from happening, drain, turn off, and disconnect outdoor faucets. Disconnect hoses and insulate the remaining exposed pipes to prevent the running water from freezing. Insulating water pipes will also help to save energy in your water heating system.
Ready your snow clearing equipment
Snow and ice might start to pile up later, so you have to ready your clearing equipment for easy access. Snow shovels should be available in your shed to clear your driveways and your roof of built-up snow. Your snowblower or other snow clearing machine should be inspected before the ice starts to build up. Also, you can stock up on ice melt and rock salt but only use them as needed because these can impact the environment negatively.
Get ready for a snowstorm
Lastly, there is always a chance that a snowstorm will wreak havoc on your area. Preparing for a snowstorm involves the mentioned steps, plus preparing an accessible emergency snowstorm kit, preferably in your car, when an evacuation is the best option.
Having done all these steps, you have ensured the safety of your family during the winter season. You can be free from worry during the cold months because you have prepared your house well. But it is also vital that you continue inspecting for possible problems during the winter. As much as you’ve prepared for it, you have to keep an eye out for anything that can damage your home while the cold is ongoing. So for your family’s safety and fewer expenses for repairs, be thorough with your inspection, repair anything that can malfunction, and stay attentive throughout the year.