It is cold outside, and home maintenance routines need to address potential problems brought on by Old Man Winter — especially keeping snow and water away from the house.
Protecting Pipes
According to State Farm Insurance, frozen pipes are one of the costliest insurance problems. An eighth-inch crack can leak up to 250 gallons a day. (Click Here if you can’t view the below frozen pipe video!)
- Insulate any pipes exposed to the cold
You can ask our hardware store personnel for the best materials for the job. - If you leave the house, make sure to set inside temperatures to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit
- If outside temperatures drop below zero, relieve pressure in pipes by opening both hot and cold faucets a trickle
- Know where your home’s water shut-off valve is, and how to use it
In the event you have a burst pipe, you’ll need to shut it down quickly.
Other Sources Of Water Damage
Water can damage a house in other ways. Following a winter storm, take a walk around the house and look for damage caused by broken tree limbs and the wind. Don’t forget the roof — you can use binoculars to scan for damaged or missing shingles.
Preventing Pests
Cold weather can drive rodents and insects into the walls of your home, even the unheated parts of the house. Mice can enter through a dime-sized hole, and insects need only a crack to enter a residence.
Keep an eye out for droppings or holes. If you find evidence of an intrusion, install traps immediately or call your local pest-control service. Inspect your house for the point of entry, and seal these areas to prevent further pest intrusions.
Don’t Forget The Furnace
Modern furnaces are so reliable, they are easy to neglect. Keep your furnace running smoothly by checking the filters once a month during the cold season. Replace them as necessary. And seal any seal any leaks in the ducts with metal tape.
Please contact us with any questions you have about a winter maintenance routine, or if you need help taking the next step on some of your winter projects.
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