C.J. Braden • 5 Minute Read
How To Get Your Home Ready For Winter
As the fall approaches and the long summer days become a distant memory thoughts turn to the colder winter months. You dig out your big coat, your winter boots and start thinking about setting the timer on the heating once again.
Snowy winter house
When it comes to winter there are a few things you need to do to make sure your home is ready for the change in temperature. To avoid getting caught out this winter follow these easy steps.
Fall porch ideas
1- Clear out the gutters and drains
As beautiful as the fall leaves are they are a nightmare for guttering and drains. They block and clog up your gutters which can lead to leaks in your roof or walls. Having to replace part of your roof is not a job you want to have to face in winter. What is more blocked gutters could fill with ice in the freezing temperatures thus weighing them down and causing them to fall, leaving you without a gutter.
You can hire someone to clear out your gutters for you or you can try to DIY it by using a telescoping pressure washer extension rod. You simply attach it to your pressure washer and can easily wash out your gutters fast.
Yellow painted door
2- Check your windows and doors
You don’t want to be wasting your heating with drafty windows or doors. Go around your house and check that all of your doors and windows close and fasten correctly. Also, keep an eye out for any seals that need replacing.
Another good tip is to consider fortifying your windows with storm shutters to keep them (and your household) protected from those winter storms.
Cozy sweater mug
3- Dummy run your heating
You may not require the heating on just yet but it is a good idea to give it a test run before you do. The last thing you need is to discover there is a problem with your heating system when you need it most. Additionally, check to see if any radiators need bleeding or if your boiler is in need of a service.
White fireplace idea
Hire a chimney sweep
If you have a fireplace in your home it will inevitably need cleaning. What is more, the winter months can cause unseen damage to your chimney so it will be prudent to give it the once over before the winter sets in to ensure it is in top working order.
Fire pit and porch idea
4- Check your outdoor lights
Your outdoor lighting might not have seen much use in the summer months when the days are long but the winter will see those days cut short and the need for extra lighting.
Check your motion security lights are working and that your outdoor lighting system can do the job. You do not need to stop kids playing in the backyard just because it’s winter.
Frozen pipe water
5- Make sure you are insured
With winter comes adverse weather, be it excess rain, snowfall, or storms. It can also bring the added complication of frozen pipes, faulty boilers, and no hot water. You do not want to find yourself in a position where you cannot access emergency heating or even worse accommodation.
Neither do you want to be unable to fix any damage the bad weather may cause. Double-check your paperwork and be sure you have kept on top of your insurance policy, that it is in place, and with adequate coverage.
C.J. Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Little Ways to Get Back To You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.