Why do we love the winters? Hot chocolate, Christmas, pumpkin spiced lattes, and snowmen. But why do we hate it? Home maintenance.
That’s right, the snowy weather may seem like a scene from a fairy tale, but it’s a disaster for homes that aren’t prepared to tackle the chilly weather.
The winters can be fierce with constant snowstorms, power outages, and blood-freezing temperatures. So, how do you deal with these problems? By simply keeping your house in the best shape possible.
There are many ways to protect your home from the cold weather onslaught; some of them are as follows.
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Weatherproof your roof:
Your roof will be covered in snow and water for the duration of the season. That is why you’ll begin by inspecting it to ensure that it isn’t damaged.
Look out for things like broken or missing shingles, cracked caulk, masses of moss, rust spots, etc., which can become possible causes for leaks.
Your roof is the first line of defense against everything outside your house, so ensure you have it inspected by a professional and clear away the guttering and debris that may prevent the water from flowing.
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Inspect the pipes for leaks:
Leaky and damaged pipes are the number one cause of water escaping and coming into the house, causing expensive water damage.
When the cold sets in, the water in the pipes may freeze and later cause them to burst. So, wherever possible, insulate the pipes and seal up any gaps or cracks that you may see.
If you’ve already sustained water damage, call in a professional Water Damage Advisor to suggest repair procedures stat.
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Sweep your chimney:
Who doesn’t love sitting near a fireplace in the winter? But if your chimney hasn’t seen the face of a broom in a while, it could cause problems.
Did you know that over 20,000 residential fires occur due to blocked chimneys each year? That’s because soot and creosote can build up over time inside your chimney and clog it.
If you burn firewood without clearing the blockage, the smoke can ignite it and cause a chimney fire. Call in a professional to inspect and sweep the chimney before the temperature drops.
It will help to go that extra mile if you want to keep your family safe and cozy during the evening.
Read more about chimney sweeps dallas.
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Service your boiler:
What’s worse than having five feet of snow outside of your front door? Take a shower with cold water if your boiler isn’t working.
It’s best to service your boiler every year before the winter season sets in. Unfortunately, most people don’t check their boilers until they stop working, which is terrible if you need hot water during the winter and wait until a professional shows up.
Therefore, have your boiler serviced to prevent carbon monoxide leakage, especially by a Gas Safety registered engineer.
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Give your gutters and drain a clean sweep:
Water can back up against the house if your drains and gutters are clogged. Blocked downspouts and gutters can cause ice dams and damage your home’s foundation, which will be an expensive fix.
Therefore, put some extra time, money, and effort now and remove debris, gunk, twigs, and all those fallen leaves from the gutters.
Go on a gutter cleaning spree before the season, as it will be challenging to do so with heavy rainfall and snow. It’s time to get cracking and fix whatever is broken now before it’s too late.
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Test your heating system:
Your heating systems must work to their max to ward off cold waves. When it comes to your heating system, it’s best to act immediately and have them tuned up and inspected.
Test all your heating appliances and equipment such as radiators, boilers, thermostats, and even dust-off filters and vents for the best results.
For instance, your radiator may stop heat from circulating correctly because of the air trapped inside it. This can cause your energy bills to soar without giving you any heat at all.
Therefore, bleed your radiators to release trapped air and free up the space around them to prevent heat loss.
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Keep your sidewalks and driveways clear:
If you want to prepare your house for the winter, you might as well do it from the outside. Apart from cleaning the gutters, disconnect the faucets from the hose before draining and safely store them in the garage.
You should also minimize the risk of branches falling on your roof by pruning and trimming them, which can be done with a hand saw attachment or an extension pole.
Moreover, while you’re at it, keep your driveways and sideways clear from snow as well to avoid slipping.
Conclusion:
Every season brings along with it some pros and cons. While the snowy weather offers a fantastic time for families, it’s also a disaster for home maintenance.
Without preparing your home for the winter, you can have a tough time dealing with stormy winds, bone-chilling temperature drops, and water damage.
Luckily, our tips and tricks to keep your house disaster-free will save you from the hassle during winter.
