Most of us are breathing a sigh of relief that 2020 is nearly over while simultaneously scratching our heads wondering where the year went. It seems that one minute we were looking forward to warmer spring weather, and the next we are preparing for the holidays. No matter how we are feeling about the cooler temperatures ahead, we all must prepare our homes by taking the steps to winterize it. We’ve compiled a checklist to reference as you get your home ready for winter:
- Protect your pipes.
Sometimes pipes have a tendency to freeze and burst, which can be tedious and costly to repair. Identify which pipes may be susceptible to freezing and insulate them.
2. Clean the gutters.
You can prevent against ice dams by clearing out your gutters, and installing gutter guards if possible.
3. Check your roof.
Heavy snow and ice can be tough on a roof. Clear it off and look for broken or frayed shingles or damaged flashing.
4. Seal up cracks.
Check the seals around your windows, doors, air conditioners, and mail chutes and use caulk to fill the cracks. This will help prevent cold air from coming in.
5. Prevent slips.
Check your exterior handrails and steps and make any necessary repairs. You’ll thank yourself later if you’re faced with an icy driveway or porch.
6. Get your heating checked.
It’s important to have your furnace or other heating system checked each year to ensure it is running efficiently.
7.Check your detectors.
House fires are more common during winter, so check your smoke detectors and replace batteries as needed. You should also check your carbon monoxide detectors, or install one if you don’t already have one.
8. Trim the trees.
The weight of snow or ice can cause dead trees or branches to fall on your house. Trim the trees and clear out any dead limbs to avoid this expensive and dangerous headache.
9. Roll up and store the hose.
Remove the hose, drain the water out, and store it somewhere for next year. Shut off the valves to exterior faucets, too.
10. Store outdoor items inside.
To prevent damage to patio furniture, grills or other outdoor equipment, it’s best to find a safe spot to store them through the icy months. Preparing for the winter isn’t necessarily a fun fall activity, but taking these precautions ahead of time can save a lot of hassle through the holidays. Reach out to our team to talk about the efficiencies of Schaefer Built Homes.