Pipes that freeze and subsequently burst are the most common cause of property damage during the winter. And, they can easily cost you thousands of dollars. But, they can be prevented with a bit of know-how and planning!
This is just one example of why you need to learn how to winterize your home. Much like you have to wear a down jacket before going outside, your house needs to prepare for the bitter climate to keep you warm and prevent property damage! Read on for our best winter home maintenance tips!
Water expands when it freezes, which can press on the seams and weak points along the pipe leading to a burst. So, to prevent this, it's important to keep your pipes in good shape all year round.
Seal any cracks with caulk and use pipe sleeves to eliminate gaps in the pipes. Also, insulate your pipes to help keep them warm. If possible, install heat cables along the length of your pipes.
Your oil furnace should be serviced once every year, and it's best to schedule that before the winter months. You'll likely be using your oil furnace more during cold weather, so make sure it's in top shape before the season starts.
If your area is especially cold or experiences a long winter, you might want to service your oil furnace every six months.
Even small drafts can increase your heat bill by hundreds of dollars. Eliminate these drafts to keep the warm air in and the cold air out! Check your door hinges, space under your doors, power outlets, and window frames.
Then, you can pick up draft guards to install around your doors and windows to seal up these drafts.
Before the winter season hits, make sure your greenery is in good shape. It can actually help protect your home!
Trim large, precarious branches from your trees, particularly if they hang over your house. Snowfall can weigh them down, causing them to fall on your roof and damage your house.
Furthermore, you can install a windbreak by planting shrubs and small trees around your house. This can help prevent freezing winds from sapping the warmth from your house.
Although you might think of cleaning your gutters as a part of your autumn home maintenance checklist, you need to take care of it as a part of your winterization too. If your gutters are clogged by leaves and debris, snowfall can accumulate and melt, causing large pools of water.
Over the course of the winter, these puddles can seep down into the walls and interior of your home, causing water damage and mold growth. Prevent these problems by thoroughly cleaning your gutters before the snow starts to fall.
Use These Winter Home Maintenance Tips This YearWith these winter home maintenance tips, you should have a leg up on the winter season. Get your home ready for brutal winds, heavy snows, and sudden temperature drops by following this guide to winter home maintenance!
If you enjoyed this article, we have tons of similar pieces like this on our blog. Check it out for more annual home maintenance tips!