Shabby Chic Boho Winter is that time of year when we get to celebrate the holidays and spend more time drinking hot chocolate in front of the fire, os it has a lot of positive connotations for many of us, but it is also the time when your home is more likely to face a disaster due to the harsher weather conditions that so many of us face at this time of year. So, if you want to keep winter all about the cozy sweaters, roaring fires and hot drinks while you snuggle up, and less about the leaks and drafts, here are 7 tips to help you avoid winter disasters in your home.
- Check Your Heating System
Nobody wants to be left freezing and shivering in the dead of winter, right? So, it is really important, before winter gets into full swing, that you take the time to check your heating system to ensure it is all in good working order. Ideally, this should mean booking in a full-service carried out by a professional who really knows what they are looking at when they come to check on your furnace, but you should also take the time to change any filters and things like that. The last thing you want is for your furnace or heat pump to give up the ghost on Christmas Eve, and leave you freezing until after the holidaysolidays, when everyone gets back to work, right?
- Trim Trees
If you have lots of trees and shrubs in your yard, and if they are close to the house, then one of the things that it is smart to do before winter gets into full swing, is to trim any branches that could potentially end up hitting your windows or bashing against your roof, if the wind blows them strongly enough. Branches that get too close can potentially smash windows and dislodge roof tiles in a storm, so it is always better to be safe than sorry, and to trim it all down to a more manageable size. A good tree surgeon can help you with this if you are not confident to do it yourself, but do it you should.
- Clear the Guttering
Before winter hits, it’s a good idea to inspect your guttering to ensure that it is secure and free from any damage. You should also look at hiring a gutter company to get up there and clear the gutters from any debris, such as falling leaves that can clog them up and cause water to find its way into your walls, or to form pools in your foundations, that can cause flooding, damp and leaks. It’s so important that your home is able to remove water away from it during heavy rains, and this can only happen effectively if your gutters are in good shape.
- Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
When the temperatures around you plummet, your pipes are at risk, so it is always a good idea for you to be as prepared as you possibly can, and do whatever you need to do to protect your pipes.
When water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on plumbing lines that can eventually burst. To safeguard your home, then it is vital to:
Insulate exposed pipes. Basements, crawlspaces, attics, and garages are high-risk zones. Foam pipe insulation or heat tape can make a big difference.
Keep indoor temperatures consistent. Don’t lower your thermostat drastically at night or when you’re away.
Open cabinet doors on freezing nights. This lets warm air circulate around kitchen and bathroom pipes.
Let faucets drip during extreme cold. Even a small trickle keeps water moving enough to prevent freezing.
Oh, and if you go away from your home for an extended period, then it is really important that you turn off the water at the mains and drain the lines so that you do not potentially come back to thousands of dollars of flood damage.
- Seal Up Drafts and Air Leaks
Even small air leaks can cause big energy losses, and encourage condensation issues that lead to mold. Before the temperature drops, take time to seal up your home’s weak points.
Check:
- Door frames
- Window sashes
- Electrical outlets on exterior walls
- Attic hatches
- Fireplace dampers
- Baseboards
Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps, and consider insulating window film if you have older single-pane windows. Not only will this keep your home warmer, but it also reduces strain on your heating system and helps prevent frozen pipes along exterior walls.
- Prepare Your Roof for Heavy Snow and Ice
Your roof is your home’s first defense against sleet, snow, and rain, so it needs to be in the best possible shape when winter comes along, right? So, you’re going to want to spend some time making sure that it is up to the job. Here’s how to do that:
Inspect for damaged shingles, loose flashing, or missing sealant. These vulnerabilities can let moisture seep in, leading to interior leaks once snow begins melting.
Trim overhanging branches, which can snap under the weight of snow and cause direct damage to your roof or gutters.
If your area gets large accumulations, invest in a roof rake to safely pull snow off the edges before it forms thick ice dams. And if your roof is older or showing signs of wear, have a professional evaluate whether repairs are needed before winter intensifies.
- Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter means closed windows, gas furnaces running full time, fireplaces crackling, and space heaters working overtime. That combination increases the risk of both fires and carbon monoxide buildup. To protect your household:
- Test your smoke detectors
- Replace batteries every season
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable
- Have chimneys cleaned annually to remove creosote buildup
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, which makes detectors essential, especially in the dead of winter.
Here’s to a happy winter for you and your home because you’ve prepared well for it, right?
