Winter is Harsh on a Home
Winter is approaching, which means colder temperatures and harsh weather soon. This season can have a significant impact on your home, which is why it’s important to prepare your home for winter.
Insulate Pipes to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Insulate exposed plumbing pipes in the crawl space, basement, and exterior of the house to keep the water from freezing. Additionally, fill open spaces with insulation to keep drafts out. Do this is before the cold weather arrives. If you live in a very cold area, install heat tape on your pipes to provide extra protection and prevent damage during freezing weather.
Drain Sprinklers
If you have a sprinkler system, winterize the water lines so they don’t crack or burst when the temperature drops. To winterize your sprinkler, turn off the water supply and drain the lines. In some systems, you can use an air compressor to blow out the water, ensuring that there is nothing left in the lines to freeze and cause damage.
Check Tree Branches
Check around your home for tree branches that are close to or touching your roof or windows. Branches this close to your home can cause significant damage if not removed. Look for signs of rotting that remain after branches have been removed. Call a professional to assess the situation, as you will likely need to have the tree removed if it’s diseased or dying.
Fix Drafty Windows
Fix drafty windows as you prepare your home for winter. Fill gaps with silicone caulk. Replace old and deteriorating weatherstripping with new material. Add another layer of insulation by installing blinds and/or curtains over the windows. Keep them open during the day so the sun can warm the room and close them at night to help keep warm air inside your home.
Clean Your Gutters
If you haven’t already removed fall’s dead leaves and debris from your gutters, make sure to do so before the first snow or ice event. Clogged gutters are unable to properly direct precipitation away from your home and can cause costly damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.
Winter is just around the corner, and it’s time to start prepping your home for the colder weather. Start with insulating pipes, pruning trees, draining sprinklers, checking tree branches, and fixing drafty windows and doors.
Appalachian Inspection Services provides home inspections to Western North Carolina. Contact us to schedule an appointment.