Is Your Home Prepared for the Winter?
While it feels like fall just arrived and we don’t want to rush the cold winter weather, now is the time to start preparing your property for the winter season.
To properly prepare your home for the cold weather, we have outlined some tips to help save you time, money and energy this season:
Examine your roof – Inspect for damaged, loose or missing shingles that may leak during winter’s storms or from melting snow.
Clean out the gutters – Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can also help prevent ice dams.
Install storm doors and windows, which can increase energy efficiency by 45% by sealing drafts and reducing air flow. Making sure these are installed and securely shut can help save you a great deal of energy and money.
On the same track, window insulation kits are available for just a few dollars at your local hardware store, and add a buffer against draft and extra still air space.
Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations. Use caulking to seal around any wall openings, preventing cold air and moisture from entering your home. Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from blowing in.
Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you can shut off the water, the better chance you have to prevent pipes from bursting.
Prepare your fireplace – Make sure your fireplace (or any heating appliance burning gas, oil, wood or coal), chimney and vents are clean and in good condition. This will prevent chimney fires and prevent carbon monoxide from creeping into your home.
For more tips on how to properly winterize your home call OceanPoint Insurance today at 847.5200. Remember that no home is fully prepared without the proper homeowners insurance. Be sure to ask your OceanPoint agent to review your policy and ensure you’re fully covered for whatever winter throws your way.
