The arrival of the winter season signifies drops in temperature, much to the joy of children escaping warm weather. Snow may sound fun for some people, but if you’re a homeowner, it can be a real headache. Snow and cold temperatures can pose dangers to your house in the form of water damage and frozen property.
Cities like Denver in Colorado see residents preparing for watersnow all the time through maintenance checks at home. Houses need regular maintenance and checks to protect us from the elements. Many homeowners sell their houses because of the extensive damage they accumulate over time, so it’s essential to keep your home happy living space.
Winter is Coming
Preparing for the winter means inspecting your entire house to see if it’s ready for the arrival of snow. It’s better to prepare your home during the fall season, otherwise, you’ll only realize your heating system is broken when the winter has come.
As part of your winter preparation, you have to inspect several elements in your house, such as
Smoke detectors
Despite being the cold season, winter is a common time for house fires. The risk of fire increases when you use fireplaces and furnaces for an extended period. Keeping the cold out also means keeping the house airtight, so be aware of carbon monoxide. Keep the house properly vented and check smoke detectors or alarms to make sure they’re functional.
Air conditioning and heating
Heating and air conditioning systems last when they are well-maintained. Replace your filters and contact professionals to have them checked to see how long they’ll be working. Be sure to check these systems before winter, as you’ll be needing them when the cold comes.
Managing roof temperatures
The formation of an ice dam on the roof can cause unwanted water damage to your home. Ice dams form on roofs and prevent melted snow from draining, causing damage to ceilings and walls in the house.
Remove snow from the roof using a rake to prevent ice dams. For long-term prevention of ice dam buildup, ensure the ceiling is airtight. The warmth from the inside won’t transfer to the attic. Increase ceiling insulation afterward.
Keep your roof well ventilated and check chimneys and exhaust systems to prepare your home for winter and avoid the inconvenience of ice dams. Before winter comes, it’s also helpful to consult a contractor to evaluate the ceiling.
Pool and sprinklers
Having your pool shut down before winter is a must, along with any sprinklers you have. Calling a professional to handle these services can save you money from broken lines. Have your water faucets outside checked to prevent them from freezing over in the winter.
Take some time to drain the line and turn off the water valves. Allow the water to drain outside the line after. This allows water to expand without causing damage to pipes and available for use in the coming spring.
Winter season can be a difficult time as a homeowner, but with the right preparation and maintenance checks, you’ll be able to breeze through the cold and prepare for spring.
