How to Protect Your Home from Freezing in the Winter
Extreme low temperatures effect our homes harshly, no matter how sturdy they are built. Drainage pipes, gutters, windows are all greatly harmed by the freezing weather. For a home owner this is a great source of concern, especially if you live in an area where the mercury drops very low. It can also get costly for you and might not even be covered by your insurance. There are however, precautions that you can take to improve things and prevent your home from freezing. It will take some effort but will save you all the headaches. Our step by step guide has the tips below.
Instructions
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1
Central heating:
Central heating all around the house ensures that every corner gets the heat. Keep it on for short period of time through out the day. Open up the cupboard under the sink so that the warm air moves in and prevents the pipes inside from freezing. Keeping inner doors slightly open will also let warm air circulate between the rooms. -
2
Anti-freeze:
Pour anti freeze down all drains. This will keep them from freezing with the stored water inside. However, do not do this with water that can be potentially consumed for human use. -
3
Frozen pipes-the menace:
Frozen pipes are the greatest discomfort winters can cause us. A burst pipe can cause a lot of damage to the building, including the walls and foundations. Most pipes are found under the sink and in the roof space. Keep the trap door in your roof space open during a sunny day so that it is better at nights. One other way is to insulate all your pipes using insulation foams, easily available in the market. Do this with every pipe in your home. If you notice a freeze forming in a pipe, pour hot water through it. -
4
When leaving home:
When leaving home for a short period of time, set the thermostat to a temperature of 55 degrees. Set all the faucets to drip slightly so that the water channel keeps running and is not blocked by the cold. Running water columns do not freeze readily. If you are leaving home for a longer period of time, drain all tanks, turn the water off at the main valve and drain all pipes by opening the lowest faucet in the house. -
5
Cover the entrances:
Try to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When winters approach, change your curtains to thicker and thicker material which will provide insulation from any draught and also absorb light and heat.
