Winter in the US can bring more than cold temperatures. Some regions encounter high winds, snow, and ice that can wreak havoc on homes. Winter can be a lot more dangerous than most people think. So, it is very important to have a winter safety plan that will keep your home safe and warm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, staying inside is no guarantee of safety; preparing for the hazards of winter will most likely keep you safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.
Here are 5 ways you can be prepared to stay safe and healthy this winter.
Check Your Heating System
Your furnace is probably the most important equipment in your home during the cold winter months. Even with a freezing temperature outside, you can maintain a warm and comfortable indoor feel by running your heating system. You need to make sure, however, that your furnace is in good working condition before winter begins. Otherwise, it will not be able to warm your indoor spaces. It would be ideal to schedule a furnace inspection and tune-up in late October or early November.
Clean Out Those Gutters
In autumn, fallen leaves and other dirt debris can fill up your gutter. This causes a blockage, obstructing the proper flow of water. When the snow melts in winter, water will be able to enter your home instead of being directed away from it. The simple task of cleaning your gutter can save your home from costly water damage.
Fix Roof Leaks
Your house roof is your first line of defense against harsh weather conditions. Checking the structure for leaks and fixing them right away will prevent water from entering your home during a rainy or snowy winter. Repairing a leaky roof can be risky for a DIY task. For a safe roof repair process, hire a licensed roofing contractor to help you out.
One vital step is also to protect your roof with certified roof maintenance. Your roof can easily be subject to damage over time. The roof of any house has been exposed for years to large amounts of rainwater, and sealing the roof of the building is critical to the functioning of the building and is designed to prevent water from penetrating through the roof layer into the building. Leakage damage can be extremely severe and cost a fortune, especially if you are not properly insured. Leak detection can only occur after significant internal damage has already been done to the structure, damage that will require extensive renovation and repair operations alongside the damage that may be caused to equipment and furniture. You do not want this to occur at home, therefore it is vital that you consider proper maintenance and do not attempt it yourself.
Many people attempt to clean their roof alone, which may lead to physical harm. Water damage is not the only problem that a roof can be subject to. Not only the roof is exposed to water damage. Moisture can be caused by rainwater penetrating through the exterior walls due to a defect in the building’s cladding tiles or due to old and cracked plaster. It is important to always look yourself to see if you can spot any discrepancies and call a professional immediately. Fix the leak and get to the heart of the problem so that you can continue on with your life today.
Install Weather Stripping
To support your HVAC system, don’t forget to install quality weather stripping around your home. According to experts, weatherstripping can reduce your home’s heating costs by as much as 30 percent during winter. Holes and gaps in your windows and doors allow warm air to escape, forcing your HVAC to work harder. Sealing your home with quality weatherstripping will not only keep your indoor spaces warm and comfortable all winter long. It will also let you enjoy lower energy bills.
Insulate Your Plumbing
When you leave your plumbing pipes completely exposed to the cold winter weather, they will freeze and eventually turn to burst pipes. According to the National Home Security Alliance, frozen pipes can be prevented by insulating any water pipes that are exposed as these are particularly at risk. Pipe sleeves that are made of foam are ideal to use when insulating your pipes in winter.
To prepare your home for the winter season, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the pros. As much as possible, stay away from complicated plumbing fixes and let a professional team handle the job for you. Hire a licensed and skilled plumbing company to winterize your plumbing system!
