Logan Voss
The winter season isn’t just brutal on the human body – harsh weather conditions can take a toll on your home’s structure and the components found within. Here are three steps you should take to protect your home from the winter elements effectively.
Quick Roof Inspection
If you live in a region that gets significant amounts of snowfall throughout the winter, there’s always the fear that enough snow accumulation could damage your home’s roof. While unlikely, it’s recommended that you inspect your roof for missing/damaged shingles, clogged/cracked gutters, accumulated debris, and leaks in the attic. Fix these issues promptly to ensure your roof is prepared for the snowy season.
Quick HVAC Inspection
HVAC systems can suffer performance issues and damages caused by winter weather conditions, so ensuring each component is in good quality and functioning is essential before temperatures drop. Before winter, inspect your HVAC system, including air ducts and vents – clean and replace every filter and remove debris that may have accumulated throughout. Cover any exposed system elements, such as the exterior central air unit, with a weatherproof tarp. Lastly, ensure there are no leaks in any part of your HVAC that could invite moisture, debris, and pests into your system.
Weatherproof Entrances
There are two places in your home where the air has the best chances of leaking through – your doors and windows. Entrances like these, especially poorly insulated ones, waste immense amounts of energy each and every year. Before the winter rolls around, make sure all of your doors and windows are in good condition, sealed with a weatherstripping product, and feature storm window/door additions. You should also remove any and all debris that has accumulated throughout the summer and fall.
Insulate Your Pipes
A home’s pipes are perhaps the most vulnerable to the effects of winter weather conditions. The frigid elements impact water mains and just about every other aspect of your plumbing system! To better protect the pipes inside of your house, it’s recommended that you insulate exposed piping with a quality insulating material like mineral or glass wool or polyurethane-based products. Don’t forget your sprinkler system and pool pipes!
Following these steps, you can adequately protect your home from the winter elements and the subsequent negative impacts. Always consult a professional before attempting DIY work when dealing with significant home issues and/or damages.
