As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for winter storms. Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures can take a toll on your house, so it’s essential to take some precautionary measures to avoid damage to your property. Here are a few helpful tips to prepare your home for colder weather.
1. Inspect the Roof and Gutters
The first step in preparing your home for winter storms is to inspect the roof and gutters. Make sure that there are no loose or missing shingles and that the gutters are free of leaves, animal nests, and other debris. Clogged gutters overflow and prevent snowmelt from draining away from your home. Water can back up and freeze, damaging the roof or causing the guttering to pull away from the house.
2. Prepare Your Home for Winter by Sealing Cracks and Gaps
Inspect the home for cracks or gaps. Check the areas around doors and windows. Make sure your doors and windows close and seal completely. Gaps allow cold winter air into the house and make your home less energy-efficient. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these areas to prevent airflow and save on heating bills.
3. Protect the Plumbing Pipes
Before the cold weather arrives, add insulation to protect your pipes. Install pipe insulation on exposed pipes in your basement or crawlspace to prevent them from freezing. Insulation is available at hardware stores and is relatively simple to install. If you live in a frigid climate, purchase heat tape to warm the plumbing pipes. When the temperatures drop below freezing, allow faucets to drip. Even a bit of water flow can prevent freezing and burst pipes.
4. Stock Up on Supplies to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Finally, stocking up on emergency supplies before winter is always a good idea. If you live in an area with severe winter storms, make sure you have enough non-perishable food and bottled water to last a few days. Keep a first-aid kit on hand and have flashlights (and extra batteries) available. Be prepared for a power outage by keeping solar lights charged and having warm blankets available for the entire family.
By following these tips, you can stay warm when the temperatures drop and protect your home from the harsh effects of winter weather. Take time this fall to prepare your property. You can save money and stay safe if severe weather does hit.
JBS Home Inspections offers inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in the greater Boston area. Contact us to request an appointment.