The wintertime can bring many challenges that put your home and your family at risk. It gets colder and the weather can be rough on your house. It’s important to take preventative measures in order to make your home safer during the winter.
Winter-Proof Your Roof
Your roof is an important area to address before winter hits. It starts with clearing away debris. Make sure you clear away any leaves, branches, or other debris that have fallen on your roof. Similarly, you should clean out your gutters and downspouts. If these are clogged, then standing water will form which can freeze. You should also walk around your house and inspect your roof and the surrounding area. Pay particular attention to trees and branches that may be leaning toward your roof. When inspecting your roof, look for any spots that are buckling or sagging as this can indicate structural damage. After you’ve assessed your roof, make any fixes and repairs to prepare for the upcoming winter.
Install an Electric Fireplace
A wood-burning or gas fireplace can release emissions into your home and lead to unhealthy air quality in your home. Switching to an electric fireplace can be very beneficial to your home. You can still warm up a room without any risks to your air quality. Compared with traditional wood-burning fireplaces, an electric fireplace requires little maintenance. You don’t need to worry about cleaning a chimney or the residue left behind by burnt logs. Electric fireplaces are also easy to install. You don’t need to make any structural changes to your home since you really only need to plug it in and set it up. These fireplaces are also more efficient and long lasting.
Shut Off Exterior Water
It’s important to shut off any outdoor water and disconnect any hoses from outdoor water spigots. If left on or connected, the water can freeze and build up in the pipes. Ice can slow water flow which can heavily impact your water bill as well as your indoor appliances. Backed up pipes can also attract water vapor on the outside and this can lead to leaking and even flooding. Freezing pipes leads to long-term damage. As the ice freezes, it expands your pipes and weakens them. Eventually, your pipes could burst causing extensive damage. Make sure you properly winterize your outside faucets.
Due to the intensity of the weather that accompanies winter, it’s important to address several areas of your home to prevent damage. Not doing so can lead to severe damage to your home. Make sure you take time to prepare your home so you and your family can stay safe.
Having a roof in good condition is important to make sure your home stays safe. Contact us if yours needs repair!