Prepare Your Home For Fall & Winter

11/25/2021 (Permalink)

How To Get Your Home Fall & Winter Ready

Fall is a great time to start preparing your Charlotte, NC, property for the cold winter months and the potential problems that they can bring. Take the time now during bearable temperatures to inspect and maintain your property to avoid frozen property problems later. 

Keep the Chill Outside

Check around windows and doors for any gaps in the insulation or caulking, your home can lose a significant amount of warmth through seemingly small gaps. Remember to change your HVAC system filters and have your unit inspected for debris or mold. At entryways have a no-skid rug or mat to protect floors and prevent falls. Inspect your roof and siding for gaps or damage from storms and make necessary repairs.

Maintain the Gutter System

Clogged gutters are a problem for your property any time of year, but during the winter those problems can be exacerbated. Freezing temperatures can create ice dams in gutters which lead to costly repairs. After the leaves near your house have fallen make sure to clear your gutters of any leaves and twigs. Make sure to inspect and repair any broken or sagging areas that may cause leaks. Once the leaves are cleared add a leaf guard the prevent cleaning gutters in the cold winter weather.

Protect the Plumbing

Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and near outer walls are more susceptible to freezing in cold temperatures. Wrap any exposed pipes with extra insulation to prevent freezing. Don’t forget to add extra insulation to your water heater if it's located in an exposed or cold location. 

Prepare the Car for Cold Weather

There are several precautions to take to keep your car in good shape during cold months. Make sure to replace windshield wipers and switch to winter washer fluid. Check tire pressure levels regularly as temperature changes and don’t be surprised to see your tire pressure sensor light going off. Make sure your coolant and antifreeze levels are good. It is also a good idea to get an oil change to keep your car working properly. Have a car emergency kit with flashlights, warm blankets, water, and a first aid kit. It is also smart to keep a shovel, ice scraper, and a bag of sand. 

Prepping the Yard

Even in the cold weather your yard still needs to be maintained. Make sure to keep tree and shrub branches trimmed back from windows. Icy conditions can cause branches to break and damage siding and windows. It is also a good time to trim back flower beds and fertilize them for next year.

Protect Yourself From Snow and Ice 

Switch out Spring and Summer tools for Winter ones, keep snow shovels, roof rakes, blowers, and pet-safe ice melt on hand. Stock up on emergency supplies like batteries, ready-to-eat foods, and maybe even a generator. 

Fall and winter temperatures and storms can come on quick, often before you have time to prepare, don’t put off preparing your home for the Winter season. Taking some time to prep can prevent water and fire damage to your home. SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is prepared to help property owners in Charlotte, NC, in case of a water or fire property damage emergency.

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