Winter’s here and it’s time to get your home ready for the cold. Don’t let the elements take a toll on your property and your wallet. Take the necessary steps to protect your home from the harsh winter effects. It’s not just about the cold weather and early sunsets, it’s about safeguarding your home’s value.
Keep an eye out for the initial signs of frozen pipes, particularly a decrease in water flow from the faucet. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take the necessary steps to prevent it. Shut off the water supply to any outdoor faucets and let the indoor faucets drip slightly to avoid the pipes from freezing. If you do find a pipe that’s frozen, you’ll need to act fast and thaw it out.
If a pipe’s frozen and hasn’t yet busted, you can use a low-heat source like a blow dryer or space heater to defrost it. Make sure the faucet’s open so the water can flow out when it starts to thaw. Never use a flame, and never use a blow dryer or electric heating tool if there’s standing water. If you’re concerned about safety, wrap hot water-soaked towels around the pipe.
Secure your windows! Windows are notorious for letting in the chill, thus causing your energy bills to skyrocket in the winter as you crank up the heat. As soon as the season hits, take out or cover any window ACs. Then, substitute or fix any weather stripping and install draft snakes as the ultimate protection.
Secure the facade of your abode. The outside of your crib is just as essential as the inside. Frequently clear out your gutters to keep scraps from freezing in them, and apply an ice-resistant potion on pathways or steps in front of your pad. You should also empty your fountains or open-air pools or hot tubs, and brush snow off vegetation to keep it as vigorous as possible.
Don’t sit around and wait for the spring thaw to bring surprises. If you’re thinking of offloading your property, get a pro to assess it for any potential damage. That way, you can nip any issues in the bud before they start to drag down the value of your listing.