Last Updated on November 4, 2021 by Kravelv
Generally, during the winter, the mechanical and structural systems of the house take an extra burden. The systems help keeping the house warm so that you and your family can live comfortably. But, if you live in an area where it snows, the burden gets amplified.
In such a scenario, safeguarding your property should become your priority. Otherwise, it will affect the structure of your house. In addition to property damage, it will also affect the heating of the house. Thus, it can create a profound challenge for you to survive the winters.
Now the question is- How can you protect your beloved home? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back!
Scroll down to learn about the 10 incredible ways to handle winter woes.
Seal All The Holes And Cracks
First things first, you need to search for any small holes or cracks. These holes could be the cause of freezing air entering the house or heat escape. Pay extra attention to the cable wire or phone lines as these are the commonly damaged areas. Once you find the cracks and holes, seal them using foam insulation and weather stripping.
It is better to get spray foam insulation as it is easier to use. You can also consider getting annual routine maintenance to fill in the cracks.
Insulate The Exteriors
Proper insulation is essential to keep the house warm and prevent the pipes from freezing. It generally includes the basement, exterior walls, attic and sometimes pipes. So, you should contact the professionals who can help with plumbing and the basement. If you try to do it yourself with the help of spray foam insulation, make sure not to miss out on anything.
In addition to this, you should get in-home energy audits. It will help you evaluate energy usage. This way, you’ll be able to take the necessary steps to improve the insulation. Also, you should learn about the R-value advised to your region and take measures to adhere to it.
Protect Your Water Pipe
Another thing that you need to do is to protect the outdoor plumbing fixtures from freezing. When the season starts to get colder, you should disconnect and store the garden hoses. After that, drain the lines, insulate hose bibs and shut off the outdoor faucets.
In case your indoor plumbing pipes are connected to exterior walls, you should monitor the outdoor plumbing regularly. Make sure that exterior walls are well insulated (as per the recommended standards.)
Hack: If the indoor faucets and pipes are located along the exterior wall, turn on the faucets. Set both hot and cold lines to a slow drip to prevent freezing. Also, leave the cabinet doors open to keep the pipes warm with the help of room air.
Remove The Outdoor Snow
As mentioned above, if you live in an area where it usually snows, it becomes challenging to protect the house. Heavy snow can block the doors and also damage the home structure. To reduce this risk, you should contact the residential snow removal contractors and get the work done. They have proper tools and equipment to remove the snow from every corner and space. Thus, you can sit back and relax while the professionals are doing their work.
Apart from this, professionals can also help you maintain your landscape during winters. Thus, the safety and curb appeal of your house, both will significantly improve.
Keep The Water Shutoff Accessible
During winter, the chances of water line freezing increase tremendously. If you face such a situation, shut off the water supply instantly. For any plumbing emergency, you should also rearrange the basement or crawl space. Make sure that the main water shutoff valve is easily located.
If the shutoff valve is rusted or not shutting off completely, you should consider replacing it on an immediate basis. You should also consider teaching other family members how to shut off the valve for these scenarios.
Note: Generally, the valve is located in the basement or on the outside wall of the utility area. However, if you live in a warmer climate, you can locate the valve around the water meter.
Remember To Close The Garage Doors
If your garage is connected with your house, minimize its use during the winter months. Keep the garage door closed as much as possible. It will help in keeping the home more warm and cozy. How? Well, a closed garage door (or any door or window) will reduce the chances of cold wind entering your home. Likewise, it will cease the heat from going out.
Not to forget, a closed garage door will also help protect the plumbing fixtures. Thus there will be no frozen water pipe.
Keep The Gutter Clean
The collection of ice over the roof is not something that anybody wants. Heavy snow can lead to the breaking of roofs or any other kind of damage. To avoid such a situation, you should clean the gutters regularly. Otherwise, the leaves and slow can result in clogged gutters.
Fortunately, cleaning gutters is not difficult. You can set a schedule to clean them every weekend and protect your property.
Pay Attention To Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is crucial to prevent the roof ice dams, which affects the heating of the house. Therefore, you should inspect the attic on a regular basis. Ensure that no insulation is restricting or affecting the attic vents. Otherwise, the free flow of attic air might prevent the warm air from meeting the roof snow. This will further refreeze the roof edges.
It would be better to consult a professional to inspect the attic. They can find any issue and help you protect your house.
Bonus Tip-
Keep Thermostat Running: Lastly, make sure your thermostat is running continuously. For that, you can keep spare batteries with you.
Wrapping it up!
All these measures will help you protect your property from the harsh weather. Plus, these will help in keeping the house more warm and comfortable. Also, for the best protection, consider removing snow from the house from time to time. And connect with professionals to prepare your home for the winters.