Preparing Your House for Winter

Preparing Your House for Winter
Preparing Your House for Winter

It’s hard to believe that it is already the middle of October. Days and nights are getting colder, and the leaves are turning bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. We all know what is next…winter. There are a few important things around houses that need to be checked before homeowners hole away inside for the winter. The forecast shows things will be warming up again this weekend, which means it is a great time for homeowners to prepare for winter.

One of the simplest and quickest things to do is to unhook hoses from hose bibs and put them away before temperatures drop below freezing. This will help prevent drips and cracks in the future.

Cleaning gutters is another step to ensure a damage-free winter. Clogged downspouts can cause ice to build up on the gutter, and this can end up damaging the roof and causing water damage and leaks on nearby ceilings as the ice melts. This should be done periodically throughout the year, but after the bulk of leaves have fallen from the trees is the most important.

Last, check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. These may be your only notice that your furnace is having issues and can save your life.

Taking these steps will keep you and your home safe in the coming winter months.