Avoid a Home Disaster This Winter

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Winter might, in an ideal world, be the time for hot chocolate, fizzy socks and warm evenings snuggled by the fire, but it also has the potential to be a disaster for you and your home with frozen pipes, broken heaters and unexpected leaks, if you are not careful!

Want to avoid a home disaster this winter? Here’s what you need to do:

1. Show Your Heater Some Love (Before It Shows You Frostbite)

Your heater works really hard to keep you warm when it’s cold outside, so it is really important that you take care of it if you want it to continue to be at its best. So, before winter comes along, it is a good idea to call in the professionals and have them inspect your HVAC system so they can make a heater repair if necessary before winter comes along and temperatures drop. You want to be toasty, right?

2. Don’t Let Your Pipes Turn Into Popsicles

Frozen pipes are basically winter’s way of saying, “Gotcha!” They can burst, cause flooding, and lead to a whole lot of stress for your whole family at a time when you just want to be cozy. To avoid a frozen pipe fiasco, insulate any exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements or garages. And when the forecast calls for a serious cold snap, let your faucets drip a little to keep water flowing. It’s not fancy, but it works.

3. Clean Out Those Gutters (Sorry, It Has to Be Done)

Nobody likes cleaning gutters, but trust us, it’s worth it. If your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, rain and melting snow can’t drain properly, which can lead to water damage and even a cracked foundation. Water has a sneaky way of finding the path of least resistance – and that path is often straight into your home. So, put on those gloves, grab a ladder (or hire someone if you’re not into DIY), and get those gutters cleared before Jack Frost turns your roof into a waterfall.

4. Check Your Roof (Because Leaks Are Lame)

Speaking of water disasters, don’t forget to inspect your roof for any potential trouble spots. Loose or missing shingles? Time to get them sorted. If your roof is looking worse for wear, a little repair work now can prevent leaks that could snowball into a full-on disaster later. Plus, who wants to deal with water dripping into their living room when they’re trying to enjoy a winter movie marathon? Not you.

5. Keep Your Chimney in Check

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, make sure it’s winter-ready. A clogged or dirty chimney can lead to smoke backing up into your house or, worse, a chimney fire. Have a professional inspect and clean your chimney before lighting that first cozy fire of the season. It’s a small investment for the peace of mind that comes with a warm, crackling fireplace (minus the smoke alarms).

Stay warm, stay safe, and avoid winter woes!