Winterize Your Home on a Budget: Stay Warm & Prevent a Frozen Nightmare This Winter
We are all tired of the severe cold weather and the potential and real damage done to our properties. However, it’s 59 days to spring, so winter isn’t done with us yet.
Here are some typical reminders, as well as some you haven’t thought about in light of the icy grip of winter and its ability to damage homes, businesses, manufactured homes, and RVs. This actionable checklist equips you to face the freeze and protect your property.
Before the Blizzard Hits
Protect your pipes:
Insulate exposed pipes: Crawl spaces, attics, and outdoor faucets are particularly vulnerable. Foam sleeves, heat tape, electric pipe heat wraps, and even newspaper can offer vital protection.
Seal air leaks: Cracks near pipes allow frigid air in. Caulk, weatherstripping, and expanding foam spray are your allies. Consider installing a “chimney balloon” to block air if you don’t have a damper.
Disconnect and drain hoses: Don’t let frozen water become a ticking time bomb. Cover exterior faucets with styrofoam faucet covers.
Turn up the thermostat: Keep it above 55°F, even slightly, to prevent pipe chills.
Invest in smart water sensors placed near pipes and your water heater to detect potentially freezing leaks. Set up phone notifications.
Investigate weather and preparedness apps. These will be especially helpful if there is no electricity to watch TV.
Clear the snow: Heavy snowfall can weigh down roofs, strain trees, and block walkways. Remove snow from steps, sidewalks, and porches before it melts and turns icy. Regular shoveling is key.
Prepare for power outages: Stock up on batteries, flashlights, and a non-electric heat source, like a fireplace or camp stove. Fully charge your phones and devices. Have a power bank fully charged.
Protect your video surveillance cameras. Bring the portable cameras inside if the weather is severe. Position them inside the window, looking out at your coverage area. Keep in mind that it may not be as effective, especially at night, so utilize the live view option regularly.
Document your property: Take pre-storm video/photo walkthroughs of your home, office, or RV. This establishes the property’s condition before any potential damage. IncIude valuables, electronics, appliances, furniture, artwork, etc. Note: This is something that needs to be done any way.
When the Cold Clamps Down:
Keep the water flowing: A slow drip from an outside wall faucet can prevent pipes from freezing. It should be a pencil-sized trickle. Utilize an electric water pipe heat cable/wrap for vulnerable water pipes or heat tape.
Open cabinet and room doors: Let warm air circulate around pipes under sinks and vanities. Open doors to cold rooms or spaces, including basements, garages, laundry rooms, rooms over garages, etc.
Move vulnerable items: Protect outdoor furniture, potted plants, and decorations from snow and ice.
Facing Frozen Fury:
Don’t panic! Act quickly, but safely.
Turn off the water main: This prevents further damage if a pipe bursts.
Apply heat cautiously: Use hair dryers, heating pads, or warm towels, space heaters (never open flames!). Focus on thawing specific sections, not the entire pipe. Invest in heat tape and electric heat wraps.
Call a plumber: For extensive frozen pipes or burst sections, professional help is crucial.
After the Storm:
Safety first: Check for downed power lines before entering or exiting your property. Beware of gas leaks.
Document the damage: Take detailed photos and videos of all damage, including close-ups and wider shots for context. Capture affected items like furniture, walls, and equipment.
Contact your insurance company: File a claim promptly and follow their instructions for documentation and repairs.
Beware that scammers come out and impersonate insurance adjusters and contractors. Do your homework and never pay up front. Ever.
Clean up and repair: Once the damage is assessed, tackle repairs and restoration work. Use recommended and known contractors. Ask your insurance representative, friends, neighbors, and check NextDoor and Facebook for recommendations and reviews.
Bonus Tips:
Invest in a generator for essential appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps.
Keep sand or kitty litter handy for icy walkways.
Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who might need assistance.
By following these steps and staying prepared, you can turn winter’s wrath into a manageable blip on the radar.
Remember, knowledge is power, and a little winter wisdom can go a long way in protecting you, your property, and keeping you warm and toasty all season long.
So, stay safe, stay warm, and keep this checklist handy!
