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Winter weather can be hard on a home, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or large storms. We want you and your home to get through the cold weather stress-free, so we’ve put together tips that will help you prepare your home for the colder months.
Indoor Preparations
- Insulate exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing. These pipes are often found in crawl spaces, exterior walls, attics and garages.
- Make sure your attic is properly ventilated and insulated. This can prevent ice dams and costly water damage.
- Test your heating system early to make sure it works before it gets too cold.
- Replace your air filters and make sure vents are clean and clear.
- Insulate your water heater to help it work more efficiently in cold weather.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Heating, candles, holiday décor and storms can increase the risk of house fires and dangerous CO levels during the winter.
- Make sure your doors and windows seal correctly. In some cases, you’ll need to seal exterior gaps with caulk. In other cases, you may want to invest in more energy-efficient windows.
Outdoor Preparations
- Check the roof for loose, damaged or missing shingles. Make repairs before the winter storms hit to prevent more serious damage to your roof and your home.
- Clear out all the gutters to make sure water drains properly. This can prevent expensive water damage inside and outside your house.
- Shut down your sprinkler system and blow out the line. (You may want to hire a local professional for help.)
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and faucets to prevent freezing.
- Repair cracks in driveways, walkways and stairs leading to your house. This makes your home safer and makes it easier to clear snow.
- Put away or cover patio furniture, barbecue equipment, gardening tools, etc.
Stain or seal your deck so it is more resilient during winter storms. - Check the trees in your yard and make sure there are no weak branches that could damage your home (or someone else’s property) if they broke under a heavy snowfall or in a windy storm.
Need cash for repairs or upgrades before winter hits? We’re here to help with all your financing needs.
Contact a Security First Financial Loan Officer today to learn more about your home financing options.
Original blog post by Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. https://www.primeres.com/about/blog/article/2021/11/08/preparing-your-home-for-cold-weather