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6 Preventative Steps to Get a House Ready for Winter Weather

Winter weather can take a huge toll on your home if you’re unprepared. To protect your house, we will cover six of the most important preventative steps you can take now to prepare your home for winter weather.

1. Clean the Gutters

Cleaning the gutters is an essential preventative measure. Gutter maintenance is especially important before winter, as persistent rain and snowmelt can overflood or damage them. When gutters get blocked, they can cause water to back up and pool around the house’s foundation, leading to problems such as rot and mold and weakening the home’s structure. Additionally, freezing temperatures can cause built-up debris in the gutter to crack or damage your home’s fascia when it expands during freezing conditions.

2. Have Trees Trimmed

Another easy preventative step to prepare for winter is trimming any overhanging trees. When the snow and ice build up throughout winter, the branches become heavier and more prone to breaking off. Not only can this cause property damage, but fallen branches may also make it difficult for you to get out of the driveway or do other activities in your yard. Trimming the trees before winter can also help protect you from potential injury or damage.

3. Inspect the Roof

It is important to inspect the roof before cold temperatures set in to ensure it can withstand the trials of winter weather. Hiring a professional roofer or climbing up there oneself are both viable options. Look for worn or loose flashing, missing shingles, cracked vents, and rust spots on metal surfaces. Once anything is seen that may compromise the safety, you should undertake proper repairs ASAP. Taking precautionary steps before harsher conditions hit can save time, money, and headaches.

4. Seal Any Cracks or Gaps

It is important to take extra steps during the fall season to ensure your house is winter-ready. One of those steps is properly sealing any cracks or gaps to prevent air leaks and avoid damage due to extreme temperatures. You can fill large gaps with expanding foam and use caulk or weather stripping on smaller areas. Before sealing any cracks or gaps, inspect the foundation, walls, and windows for any dirt, debris, or insects present.

5. Service Your Heating System

Before winter weather arrives, servicing your heating system is an important preventative step to preparing a house. Servicing the heating system will keep you and your family warm through the cold months ahead and also help identify small problems before they become big ones. Routing servicing includes cleaning and inspecting all the system components, including checking the pressure levels of tubing and valves, testing for leaks in fuel sources and exhaust systems, lubricating any moving parts if needed, and replacing filters to maintain maximal efficiency.

6. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Finally, one of the steps is to stock up on winter supplies. It is important to ensure the home has an extra gallon of antifreeze, ice melt, de-icer, and a bag of salt to sprinkle in the driveway and sidewalk. It’s also wise to keep some snow shovels nearby in case of heavy snowfall. Having these supplies on hand at the start of the season can save time come wintertime and give peace of mind.

Winter weather can be harsh on homes, but with a few preventative steps, you can help your house stay in good condition all season long. Follow these tips to keep your home warm and protected from the cold this winter.

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Alex

Alex is the co-author of 100 Greatest Plays, 100 Greatest Cricketers, 100 Greatest Films and 100 Greatest Moments. He has written for a wide variety of publications including The Observer, The Sunday Times, The Daily Mail, The Guardian and The Telegraph.

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