Cold weather is quickly arriving in Utah if it isn’t already in your area. Keeping your home safe during the winter is an outstanding job that requires maintenance. Choosing to forego these important tips could lead to damage to your home and a big headache for you come spring. Make sure to follow these essential home maintenance tips for winter to keep your home in top condition:
Clear Gutters Now
Clogged gutters can become a nightmare for many Utah homeowners. Fall leaves, dirt, mud, and debris can all back up in a gutter and block rain from properly running off of your home. Make sure to clean out gutters before freezing temperatures arrive to make this job easy. Scraping out frozen mud or debris from gutters is not a fun job to do come winter. Clearing gutters now will help prevent water issues and flooding that could significantly damage a home.
Clean the Chimney
Many homeowners in Beehive State enjoy using their wood fireplace during the winter season. Fires provide a warm addition to the home and create a cozy atmosphere. Make sure to have your chimney cleaned by a professional to ensure that your home will be safe this winter. Professional chimney cleaners will not only clear away debris and soot build up but will also inspect your chimney for cracks or damaged areas. Cleaning the chimney is a necessary maintenance item that needs to be performed every year depending on your fireplace use. Keeping the chimney clean and clear will reduce the risk of a chimney fire that could harm your home as well.
Insulate Pipes
Many Utah homeowners have faucets or watering spigots around many areas of their home. Make sure to properly insulate these areas of your home to prevent freezing. Pipes located within the interior parts of your home should also be carefully maintained to avoid a burst pipe. Insulate those pipes near the outside walls of your home as well as any pipes that have had problems with freezing in the past. A little time and effort to prevent burst pipes is much easier and cheaper than the aftermath of how much damage a burst pipe can cause within a home.
Check for Drafts
The access points of your home are common areas where cold weather can easily draft in through windows and doors. This cold air not only makes your home uncomfortable but also can quickly raise your heating expenses as the house tries to battle the frigid air. Make sure that all of the doors and windows of your home are adequately sealed to create a tight barrier against colder air. Consider adding an extra layer of protection with curtains and draft stoppers if cold air can come through any openings.
Keeping your Utah home warm and safe during the winter season is an essential part of home maintenance. Make sure to clear gutters and have your chimney professionally cleaned to prevent future issues. Insulate both indoor and outdoor pipes as well as water systems to minimize the chance of burst pipes. Check for drafts near windows and doors as well to keep your home warm this winter. Consider all of these essential home maintenance tips to keep your home in excellent condition this winter season.
Meredith Hale is a gardening and landscape writer for LawnStarter, and design addict. She has coordinated the design on many house flipping projects, admitting that her favorite part is creating inspired outdoor spaces.
