Winter is coming, and with it comes the need to prepare your home for the cold Pennsylvania weather. Luckily, there are some steps you can take now to make sure everything is prepared when winter actually hits. The premier home builders in the Chester County, PA area, Southdown Homes, offer some tips to help prevent damage to your home this winter season.
Take a Good Look at Your Roof
One of the first places homeowners should check for damages before the fall ends is on the roof. It is important that your shingles will hold up during the harsh weather that the winter brings. The extra weight of snow and water can put stress on the roof and cause major problems. It could be a good idea to have a professional inspect the roof and fix any issues that arise.
Keep the Gutters Clean
The next tip is to clear out any debris and leaves that have accumulated in your gutters over the fall. It’s important to keep them clean because ice and water can put stress on the roof if they can not drain properly; with extra rainfall or snow come winter time – it becomes even more critical! Check both inside AND outside of the house for clogged-up spouts (runoff channels) before flooding starts getting too high near home. Double-check that the spout for your gutters is doing its job at diverting water away from your home.
Insulate and Protect the Water Pipes
The cold weather of PA brings a potential threat to your home’s water pipes. Water pipes that are not checked may freeze and then burst, causing serious damage. It is critical to release the water from exterior pipes and hoses and shut the water off to them for the season. Another tip is to add insulation to water pipes located in the basement and the exterior. Regardless of whether you keep your house warm, freezing water pipes are still a top concern for homeowners to avoid.
Cover your Outdoor Furniture
As the cold weather rushes in, you probably will be using your outdoor furniture less and less. Preserve that furniture by covering it up with a tarp or cover. The snow and rain will put lots of wear and tear on uncovered furniture.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Blades
If you have a ceiling fan in your home, it’s important to change the blade rotation with seasons for best results. In summer months when hot air is blowing down from above and escaping through open windows or doorways – which can overheat homes quickly- counterclockwise rotating blades will push cool air towards those areas of your house needing relief while clockwise rotations do just the opposite allowing warmth to rise up into rooms.
Recaulk Windows and Doors
The next step to winterizing your home is one of the most important, seal up all windows and doors. Drafts can sneak in, making a cold house feel even colder while also costing you money on heating bills! It’s very easy with a caulk gun or just by using some exterior silicone around door frames where drafts come through – this will keep out any more chilly air from entering under window coverings too. Another great option is to use weatherstripping to prevent drafts from breaking into the home. You can easily attach weatherstripping to doors and windows that let in cold air. Preventing drafts and keeping cold air out is another easy way to winterize your home.
Test the Batteries in Detectors and Alarms
It is always important to check that your detectors and alarms are working properly and to have good batteries in them – especially in the winter when you might be using a fireplace as an additional source of heat. It’s also helpful if there are functioning fire extinguishers nearby just for emergencies like these!
As the winter weather approaches, homeowners will be preparing their homes for the new season. Use these tips to help you get started prepping your home for the cold. If you are in the market for newly built homes where you don’t have to worry about a few of these tips, Southdown Homes can help. Feel free to reach out to us online or give us a call today to speak to an expert.
