How to Winterize Your Home

Yes it is that time of the year again, winter is here. For those new home owners that have never went though the harshness of winter’s kiss, or for those who realize that they have been doing something wrong as it seems every year they are stuck with a few bills that could’ve been avoided, here are the tips you need to know.

Winter Measures for your Home: Start with your Roof

Take a good look at the shingles on your roof. If they are loose or if you have some missing, this can be potentially damaging. This simply means that your roof may not do well with excessive rain and snow. It is the first sign that you are about to have a leak that can put a damper on your winter plans.

Fixing this problem early on is the best and cheapest way to go, if you ignore the problem and it gets out of hand it can cost into the thousands to repair. So, detection from the get go is best.

Winter Measures for your Home: Rain Gutters and Vents

Clear out your rain gutters! If they can not drain properly then they will become too heavy to remain attached to your home. This might not be too costly to repair it can be quite irritating.

Be sure to check your attic and vents. When winter approaches it tends to drive the furry creatures from outside to the nearest warm place they can find. Now, this may not always apply to the city, but for those of us who live in the woods and country it can be pretty routine. Just be sure that you check, you don’t want any surprises. If there is even the slightest opening it can be inviting for rodents to come inside.

Winter Measures for your Home: Pipes

This is a common mistake. People usually don’t pay attention to water faucets that they do not use. There are sometimes water sources around your property that you seldom, if at all, use- in this case you would need to find each and every one and do the following steps.

1. Remove the hose and drain it. Store it in the garage.

2. With bubble wrap and duct tape, thoroughly wrap the water pipes above ground including the spigots.

3. Be sure you empty the water lines to your sprinkler systems as well and wrap them securely.

Remember, it may seem like a pain, but it is easier to go through these simple steps rather that have a pipe burst.

Winter Measures for your Home: Chimney and Heaters

It is important to get your heater serviced once a year just to make sure it is in proper working order. So, a quick check should be performed before the service man gets over whelmed by all those who do not take the extra time to make sure it is done.

As for the fireplace, you should have it swept to be sure it is free from creosote that can build up and cause a fire. If you can not afford to have it professionally swept then you can get a “chimney sweeping fire log” at your local store and burn it according to directions. It costs under $20 and is very efficient.

Have a happy and safe winter!