Top Winter Home Maintenance Tips to Prevent Costly Damage
Insulate Exposed Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Frozen pipes can lead to bursts, flooding, and expensive water damage. Protecting your plumbing is easier than you might think.
How to Insulate Exposed Pipes:
- Identify Vulnerable Pipes: Look for pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, attics, or exterior walls.
- Buy the Right Materials: Visit your local hardware store and purchase foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or pipe wraps.
- Cut and Wrap: Measure the length of the pipe and cut the insulation to fit. Wrap the insulation snugly around the pipe and secure it with duct tape or zip ties.
- Seal Gaps: Use spray foam or caulk to seal any cracks or gaps in walls, windows, or doors where cold air might reach pipes.
- Keep a Slow Drip: On extremely cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to prevent water from freezing.
Bonus Tip: If you're unsure about the insulation process, consider hiring a plumber to inspect and winterize your pipes.
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Clear Gutters to Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts, refreezes at the edges, and blocks water from draining. These dams can cause roof leaks, damaged shingles, and costly repairs.
How to Clear and Maintain Gutters:
- Gather Tools: You’ll need a sturdy ladder, work gloves, a garden trowel, and a bucket or tarp for debris.
- Clean Out Debris: Scoop out leaves, twigs, and dirt from your gutters. Drop the debris into a bucket or onto a tarp below for easy cleanup.
- Flush Gutters: Use a garden hose to rinse gutters and ensure water flows freely through the downspouts.
- Inspect Downspouts: Check for clogs and make sure downspouts extend at least 5-6 feet away from your foundation to prevent water damage.
- Install Gutter Guards: Consider adding guards to keep gutters clear longer, especially if your home is surrounded by trees.
Bonus Tip: If snow and ice build up on your roof, use a roof rake to safely remove it without damaging shingles.
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Check Outdoor Lights for Safety and Functionality
Dark winter evenings mean outdoor lighting is critical for safety and security. Whether it’s illuminating icy walkways or deterring potential intruders, functional lighting is a must.
How to Check and Maintain Outdoor Lights:
- Inspect Bulbs: Walk around your property and test all outdoor lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs.some text
- For efficiency and durability, opt for LED bulbs designed for outdoor use.
- Examine Fixtures: Check light fixtures for damage or corrosion. Tighten loose screws and clean any dirt or grime.
- Check Wiring: Look for exposed or frayed wires. Use electrical tape to cover minor damage, or call an electrician for major repairs.
- Upgrade for Convenience
- Install motion sensors or dusk-to-dawn timers to improve security and energy efficiency.
- Solar-powered lights are a great eco-friendly option for pathways and gardens.
- Test Functionality: Once repairs are complete, test all lights to ensure they’re working as intended.
Bonus Tip: Use sand or salt to prevent icy walkways and keep paths clear and safe for visitors.
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Why Winterizing Your Home Matters
By taking these simple steps, you can prevent expensive repairs, enhance your home’s energy efficiency, and ensure safety for your family during the colder months.
Don’t wait until the snow falls—start your winter prep today!
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About Deploy Surveillance
Deploy Surveillance offers self-sufficient, solar-powered hybrid mobile surveillance units for cloud-based monitoring, uniquely tailored to meet the security needs of any setting. All trailers and camera units are proudly made in the U.S.A. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the company serves clients nationwide. For more information or to request a custom quote, visit https://www.deploysurveillance.com.
