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12 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter is around the corner and so is the idea of sipping freshly brewed coffee while relaxing on your comfy sofa. But what about preparing your house for winter? If you haven’t taken these 12 safety measures, the season might turn into a disaster for your home.

According to a survey conducted, every 2 in 5 homeowners neglect these precautionary tasks. It is always better late than never and the same goes for your house protection. Be it interior, exterior, or home garden, every corner requires the same level of care.

Join us and explore how you can protect your house against winter damage. Here we go!

Cost of Damage Due to Winter in the US

Imagine waking up to clogged gutters or a damaged roof in winter. This is what a seasonal shift does to your house’s structural integrity.

According to surveys, winter damage can increase maintenance costs by up to 25%. This is where precautionary measures come into play. Let’s dive deeper and find out more.

Preparing a House for Winter: A Quick Checklist

Winter is on the way, but are you well prepared to protect your house from the cold weather? If the answer is no, this guide will be a game-changer. Here is a checklist of 12 necessary steps for preparing your house for winter:

1. Gutter Inspection and Cleaning

Gutter cleaning is often an overlooked activity, but it is a crucial one. Experts recommend cleaning gutters twice a year, before and after winter. Not only does gutter inspection detect issues early on, but helps clear debris in time. Protect your gutters from blockages, ice dams, or any serious issues. Check out this detailed guide on why gutter cleaning is important.

It is always recommended to hire a professional for gutter inspection and cleaning. However, for minor cleanups, the DIY technique might work. For this, safely climb the ladder and check for blockages. You can also review the benefits of professional gutter cleaning.

2. Trimming Back Tree Branches

In harsh weather like winter storms, back tree branches are prone to falling. To protect your roof from any damage, it is crucial to trim overhanging back tree branches before the winter season. Simply hire a professional or do it yourself – all you need is a ladder and a few tools.

3. Roof Inspection

Like gutters, roofs also need inspection annually. The best time for roof inspection is the fall season. Homeowners can detect issues such as missing or damaged shingles and book a cleaning session. Remember a clean roof enhances home insulation and slashes electricity bills.

For best results, hire a professional power washing company and get a clean, like-new roof. You can also check out the many benefits of hiring a professional power-washing company.

4. Chimney Inspection

Can’t wait to relax in your cozy and warm home during winter? Wait, have you inspected your chimney condition? First things first, let a professional examine the chimney cap, flashing, and exterior thoroughly.

5. Pipe Insulation

Pipe insulation is a savior for protecting your plumbing from freezing water during winter. Carry the insulation process for all pipes in spaces like the attic and garage.

6. Home System Inspection and Servicing

The next important step is to carry out an HVAC system inspection. Professionals will inspect the furnace and overall heating and boiling system. This includes checking furnace filters and replacing clogged ones. This not only speeds up the heating process but also lowers utility bills.

7. Boiler Flushing

If a boiler is not working properly, your house won’t remain warm during winter. To prevent such a situation, flush and drain a boiler before the start of the winter season. The process is quite simple. Shut down the system and use a garden hose to flush the system, two to three times.

8. Re-Caulk Windows and Doors

Is there a sudden increase in your utility bills? Or, have you noticed a gap in your window or door? Maybe it is time to replace your window and door’s silicone caulk. Simply put, this process seals the gaps and cracks to avoid air and heat escape.

9. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Want to slash utility bills in winter? What if you can do it with a switch? Yes, just change your ceiling fans’ direction to clockwise. Wait for the fan to distribute heat and warm air throughout the room, limiting the need for a thermostat.

10. Insulate Main Areas

With a few cost-effective changes to your home’s systems, you can enjoy the winter season to the fullest. One of these home tips for winter is to focus on insulation. To keep your house warm, replace a screen door with a glass pane. Similarly, you can use curtains on windows and doors to trap heat inside.

11. Mulch Leaves

Similar to other parts of a house, your home garden requires the same level of care. Since the winter season follows fall, an expert tip is to mulch fallen leaves instead of raking. This helps the soil absorb essential nutrients which are beneficial for fertility.

12. Carefully Stow Your Lawn Mower

Protecting garden equipment like lawnmowers is essential. Winter accompanies moisture which can damage a mower. Before keeping the mower in a safe place, ensure to clean its deck. Lastly, don’t forget to remove fuel (for gas mowers) and battery (for electric mowers).

FAQs

1. How Do You Prepare Your House for Winter?

There is a lot that goes behind preparing a house for winter. Some essential steps include inspection, repairs, and installation of new systems.

2. What Are the Safety Tips for a House During Winter?

Here are some quick and easy safety tips for winter:

Pipe bursts are common during winter. Get an idea of shutting down the main water supply.

Don’t use generators inside your home.

While carrying out any inspection, ensure to take proper safety measures. Or, you can hire professionals for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Follow these 12 easy steps for preparing a house for winter. Remember prevention is better than cure – it not only reduces financial burden but also lowers the risk of unforeseen damages.

If you don’t want to spend hours rubbing and cleaning, the best option is to hire TN Wash. Sit back, relax, and enjoy while professionals do their job well!

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