BLOG NUMBER 25.39
For property owners, winter may be a difficult time of year, especially if they are not well-prepared. The severe weather can seriously harm infrastructure and structures, necessitating expensive upkeep and repairs. However, you may get ahead of the game and lessen the effects of winter weather by taking proactive measures to prepare your property throughout the summer months. Following are some pointers for getting ready your property for winter during the summer:
Complete a Thorough Inspection of Your Property
Making a thorough evaluation of your property is the first step in winterizing it. Look for any indications of harm or deterioration, such as foundation fissures, roof leaks, or damage to the outside walls. Early intervention might help stop any damage and ensure that your home is prepared for the winter. If possible, take multiple people with you while examining your property. It’s better to have more than one set of eyes. Another consideration is to hire a professional property inspector to complete the job. They have complete checklists to ensure nothing is missed.
Clean, Repair, or Replace Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts play a critical role in directing water away from your property. However, if they become clogged with leaves, debris, or ice, they can cause water to back up and damage your roof or foundation. Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent clogs and ensure proper water drainage. If repairs or replacements need to be made, summertime or fall is the best time to get this job done.
Inspect and Service Heating Systems
In order to keep your home and/or business warm and cozy during the winter, heating systems should be tested. When not working properly, heating systems can be hazardous, possibly starting fires or emitting carbon monoxide. To ensure that your heating system is operating effectively and securely before the winter season, have a licensed HVAC specialist evaluate and service it. This is a minimal cost in the summertime, as opposed to experiencing and paying for an emergency repair in the winter.
Inspect All Seals Around Windows and Doors
Your home’s heating system will have to work harder as a result of drafty windows and doors, which can result in increased energy costs. To stop drafts and increase energy efficiency, weatherstripping or caulk should be used to seal windows and doors. Over time, existing seals can become dry and cracked. If this is the case, take time to remove the old caulking, clean the cracks, and replace it with new sealant.
Insulate Exposed Pipes in Unheated Locations
Pipes that are exposed to cold weather run the risk of freezing and bursting, seriously damaging your home. Make sure to insulate pipes that are situated in unheated locations, such as attics or crawl spaces, to avoid this. By minimizing heat loss from hot water pipes, pipe insulation can also aid increase energy efficiency. If the summertime is too hot in these spaces, this can be placed on your Autumn “to-do” list when the temperatures are more comfortable.
Prepare Outdoor Areas
Winter weather can also impact outdoor areas of your property, such as driveways, walkways, and landscaping. To prepare for winter, make sure to:
- Trim trees and shrubs to prevent branches from falling and causing damage during winter storms.
- Remove debris and leaves from outdoor areas to prevent slips and falls.
- Salt or sand outdoor areas to improve traction and prevent slips and falls.
- Inspect and service snow removal equipment, such as snow blowers or shovels.
Prepare or Replenish Your Emergency Supplies Kit
Finally, it’s essential to stock up on emergency supplies in case of a winter storm or power outage. Make sure to have enough food, water, and other supplies on hand to last at least 72 hours. Consider investing in a backup generator to ensure that you have power during an outage. Oftentimes, generators will be offered for a lower price in the summertime. Some states also offer a tax-free Emergency Preparedness timeframe that allows purchases of all emergency supplies to be purchased without paying taxes! It’s a great way to stock up for less money.
Conclusion
Snow experts recommend that you get a head start and lessen the effects of winter weather by preparing your property for winter in the summer. You can ensure that your property is ready for whatever winter weather may bring by conducting a property inspection, cleaning gutters and downspouts, inspecting and servicing heating systems, sealing windows and doors, insulating pipes, preparing outdoor areas, and stocking up on emergency supplies. Start preparing your property now rather than waiting until it is too late! If time gets away from you, reach out to a snow removal consulting firm for help.
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