Winter is coming – which means the season for cold, winter temperatures that can be damaging to your home is upon us. Before you are hit by inclement weather, be proactive. Review your Homeowner’s Insurance policy to make sure you are aware of what is covered, and document your home and personal property with photos and video.
Here are some tips to prepare your house for winter!
CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS
- Remove debris from gutters so melting ice and snow will drain properly and decrease the risk of ice damming. Direct downspouts away from your home’s foundation to help prevent basement leaks and flooding.
TRIM BRANCHES
- Trim any dead and low hanging tree limbs so they don’t brush against the roof or fall causing damage to your home’ roof, siding or windows during a winter storm.
CHECK THE ROOF
- Give the roof a good look before winter hits. Are there any loose or missing shingles that may result in leaks from winter snow? Check for any cracked sealant around vents and the chimney. It is a good practice to have preventative maintenance done every 5-7 years.
PREVENT UNWELCOME GUESTS
- Check for any voids or holes in the siding or the roof that animals may use to get in to make a cozy winter hibernation spot.
SERVICE YOUR CHIMNEY
- If you have a wood-burning fireplace have it cleaned by a chimney sweep to prevent creosote buildup. Clear away any debris such as leaves and bird nests that could become a fire hazard or cause water, ice or snow to back up. Additionally, you may want to have your brick chimney sealed with silicone water repellant as bricks are porous and water intrusion and the freeze thaw cycle can cause the bricks to crack.
CHECK FOR GAPS
- Look at the areas where siding meets windows, doors and bricks to make sure that the caulk hasn’t worn away leaving a gap that is susceptible to water intrusion.
CHANGE FILTERS AND BATTERIES
- Change furnace filters and batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, test the detectors to make sure they work.
TURN OFF HOSE BIBS
- Be sure to turn off exterior hose bibs and other outside water sources to prevent pipes from freezing.
