Skiing, sipping hot chocolate by the warm hearth, and ice-fishing: winter is a magical time in West Michigan! Its frigid climate does not deter us from enjoying the snow to our heart’s content.
However, don’t let your guard down during this season. Prepare your residence for the upcoming harsh conditions. Low temperatures can cause frozen pipes, blocked rain gutters, drafts, etc. So whether you are traveling during the winter or staying home, you must protect your home from winter damage.
If you take preventative measures, you won’t have to seek treatments for burst pipes or drafty windows later. Also, you won’t have to spend money on expensive repairs. Familiarize yourself with water valves in case of an emergency. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, go through the suggestions we’ve mentioned below.
Check your insulation
If you have drafty windows and doors that do not provide proper insulation, you could be in for a bad surprise! West Michigan gets heavy snowfall due to the Great Lakes, and leaky entryways can make your indoor temperature uncomfortable. It will also increase your heating bill. Consider replacing your old windows with the help of experts from All Weather Seal of West Michigan before winter arrives. Then your heating bill won’t break the bank either!
Secondly, check your roof since it is also a crucial insulating layer. Steel roofing affords protection to your house during severe weather conditions. If you have any missing roof shingles, get them replaced.
Unclog your gutters
Over time, rain gutters can accumulate leaves and debris, obstructing water flow through these channels. If left unattended before winter, this buildup can freeze and lead to sagging gutters. To protect both your gutters and your home, removing debris and ensuring proper drainage before the cold weather sets in is essential.
The storm drains near your curb also require cleaning. If these are clogged, your basement might flood and cause structural damage. Repairs are more costly than taking precautions, so prepare accordingly.
Insulate the pipes
The expense of replacing burst pipes can quickly add up. When the water inside exposed pipes freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the plumbing, leading to pipe bursts. Once the ice melts, your property may be left with water damage. Insulating and protecting your pipes from freezing is crucial to avoid these costly repairs.
The pipes that are outside the house are very vulnerable. You can cover them with insulating materials like foam and fiberglass. Secondly, if any pipes are running through the basement or garage, they are also susceptible. A burst pipe in the basement could incur severe damage. Since these spaces are generally colder, weatherproof them properly.
Allow the tap furthest from your water main to drip steadily on a particularly cold day. Doing so permits the water to flow continuously through your pipes and thus prevents them from freezing. This is also essential if you’re leaving your house unattended for some time during winter.
If your pipes have frozen, attend to them immediately to prevent damage.
It’s the season to sit by the fireside
It’s the best time to illuminate your fireplace while the cold winds howl outside. A gas fireplace can also lower your heating bill since the warmth can spread throughout the house.
Before using the fireplace, get it checked by a professional. Any blockage or accumulation of soot can be exceedingly harmful. Keep any rugs or furniture at a safe distance to avoid fire hazards. Change the cells of your carbon monoxide detector since the different heating systems can cause the gas to accumulate. Lastly, never leave a fire burning while you’re sleeping. Put the fire out safely before retiring for the night.
Prepare for an emergency!
West Michigan is prone to winter storms, so stow an emergency kit at home. You should have enough water and nonperishable food for three days. Secondly, maintain a backup source of heat in case you lose power. Flashlights and batteries come in handy. A backup generator could provide warmth and keep your pipes from freezing if there is a power outage.
Assemble extra blankets and warm clothing. You should also test your carbon monoxide detectors beforehand because backup generators and other heating sources can result in gas accumulation.
Store your outdoor possessions inside
You probably wouldn’t want to sit on your patio during the winter, so bring your furniture inside. If you have a grill, clean it thoroughly and store it indoors. Otherwise, a snow spell might leave you gazing sadly at your ruined belongings. Cover your furniture and grill if there is no storage space inside.
The wonders of a humidifier
Does your skin feel dull and dehydrated during the winter? The culprit is low temperature. The environment inside your home can get dry, and a humidifier introduces moisture back into the air. It is also helpful for those with respiratory problems. Humid air makes the indoor atmosphere feel warm and cozy. Lastly, if your hardwood floors could talk, they’d thank you for investing in a humidifier!
Get your furnace inspected by a professional
Furnaces accumulate dust and debris over time, so you should get them serviced annually. Before winter comes, ask a professional to check your furnace. Any amount of contaminants or blockages can reduce its efficiency. Furthermore, a crack or fault in the furnace could cause harmful elements to seep and spread into your accommodation.
Conclusion
Winter in West Michigan is a beautiful and fun time, but the accompanying problems can make the season difficult. However, if you plan ahead, you can enjoy the season and its festivities. Your home should be protected against the harsh climate. Weatherproof your entrances by caulking. Get your old windows and window frames replaced by experts. Drain all pipes and faucets to keep them from freezing and bursting. You can reduce your heat bill by insulating your property and spaces like your garage and basement.
All these early preparation will enable you to enjoy yourself without worrying!
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