As winter approaches, people think about cozy blankets, roaring fires, hot chocolate, and holiday gatherings. But before the temperature drops and the weather turns harsher, you need to protect your home by ensuring it's prepared to deal with the rigors of the season.
Winterizing your home isn't just a seasonal choice; it's a necessity to safeguard your biggest asset from costly repairs. Even if you live in a milder climate, preparing your home ahead of winter can prevent headaches, costly damage from occurring, and unpleasant financial surprises.
Let's explore three reasons why you need to prep your home for the winter to avoid problems in the spring.
Cold Weather Exposes Your Home's Weaknesses
Winter is unforgiving. Not only can it create new problems with your home, but it also exposes all the existing weaknesses, turning them into major problems overnight. Poorly-insulated windows and walls let heat escape with ease and force your furnace to work harder, making you pay more to heat your home.
Plumbing is also at risk in the winter. Uninsulated pipes in your basement, crawl spaces, or exterior walls can freeze if not prepped. When water expands inside a frozen pipe, it is prone to bursting, and you might be left to repair a flood, which is expensive and disruptive.
Even a run-of-the-mill winter will expose how ready your home is for more extreme conditions. The best bet is to get ahead of it long before the first temperature drop.
Your Home's Exterior Will Be Punished All Winter Long
Your home's exterior will take most of the beating throughout the winter. It faces the harshest conditions, and not preparing it properly will cause issues that will linger well into the spring. One common issue is gutters clogged with leaves, which prevents proper drainage and can cause ice dams.
The biggest and costliest issue might involve your roof. Before winter arrives, tighten all loose shingles and repair small leaks before they become major problems. You should also remove or landscape any overhanging branches before they have the chance to snap from the snow or ice and fall onto your roof.
Deal With Heating Systems and Safety Measures
In the winter, your home relies on its heating systems to keep you safe and warm. It also needs to be ready for non-stop operation, which can be strenuous. A neglected furnace will struggle to keep up with the demands of winter, while wasting energy and money.
Prepping your home for the winter is as much about safety as it is comfort. Fireplaces and chimneys need proper inspection to prevent any fire hazards. You should also test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. This is especially important when your fuel-burning appliances are operating all day long.
Winter can be a fun season filled with tobogganing and skating, but it's incredibly demanding on your home. Prepare early by sealing drafts, inspecting your roof, clearing gutters, servicing your furnace, and making sure there are no apparent fire hazards. Put in the work now so that you can enjoy a stress-free winter.
