10 Tips for Winterizing Your Home: Get Ready for Colder Weather
As fall approaches, Arms Home Inspection recognizes the importance of homeowners preparing their homes to withstand the challenges of colder weather.
To provide our clients with expert guidance on this crucial matter, we had the privilege of sitting down with our experienced home inspector, Jeff Arms (JA) and the Bill McGarrigle Team (BMT).
To provide our clients with expert guidance on this crucial matter, we had the privilege of sitting down with our experienced home inspector, Jeff Arms (JA) and the Bill McGarrigle Team (BMT).
Extensive Experience
BMT: “How long have you been doing home inspections?”
JA: “I have been involved in real estate and rental management since 1999. In 2012, I started the process of becoming a certified home inspector. That involves passing the certification test and then being an apprentice with a certified home inspector. As an apprentice, I was required to perform 100 inspections with those certified inspectors. Finally after that I was able to start performing home inspections for residential clients and have inspected thousands of homes and other properties since then. I have recently started my own business, Arms Home Inspections.”
JA: “I have been involved in real estate and rental management since 1999. In 2012, I started the process of becoming a certified home inspector. That involves passing the certification test and then being an apprentice with a certified home inspector. As an apprentice, I was required to perform 100 inspections with those certified inspectors. Finally after that I was able to start performing home inspections for residential clients and have inspected thousands of homes and other properties since then. I have recently started my own business, Arms Home Inspections.”
Preparation is Key
BMT: “With an eye towards preparing for colder weather months, what are some of the most common areas/items that homeowners should be concerned with/about?”
JA: “As we move into fall and then winter, I commonly see issues with clogged gutters and other drainage components like area drains at basement stairs due to leaves or other debris. The next most common issue we see would be exposed plumbing freezing when the colder weather sets in. It’s important to properly winterize any exposed plumbing such as exterior hose bibbs and plumbing in locations like garages or outdoor kitchens.”
BMT: “Can you give us an example in which you saw a situation that could have been easily avoided with seasonal preparation?”
JA: “Occasionally, we see a house that has an outdoor hose bibb that is designed to be frost-free; therefore, you shouldn’t need to turn it off in the winter. This is usually true; however, if you leave the hose or an adapter attached, the water held in the system can still cause damage. The leak resulting from this damage usually won’t become evident until you use the hose in the spring, and the water leaks into the wall/basement.”
JA: “As we move into fall and then winter, I commonly see issues with clogged gutters and other drainage components like area drains at basement stairs due to leaves or other debris. The next most common issue we see would be exposed plumbing freezing when the colder weather sets in. It’s important to properly winterize any exposed plumbing such as exterior hose bibbs and plumbing in locations like garages or outdoor kitchens.”
BMT: “Can you give us an example in which you saw a situation that could have been easily avoided with seasonal preparation?”
JA: “Occasionally, we see a house that has an outdoor hose bibb that is designed to be frost-free; therefore, you shouldn’t need to turn it off in the winter. This is usually true; however, if you leave the hose or an adapter attached, the water held in the system can still cause damage. The leak resulting from this damage usually won’t become evident until you use the hose in the spring, and the water leaks into the wall/basement.”
Be Ready
BMT: “With those areas/items in mind, what can or should homeowners do to prepare for the approach of colder weather?”
JA: “It’s a good idea to develop a yearly maintenance plan so you can have a checklist of things you need to do around your home in each season. This can include things like changing filters or cleaning things like your ice maker, as well as things like getting your gutters cleaned, hose bibbs winterized, etc before colder weather sets in.
It’s always a good idea to take a walk around your property a few times a year and just look things over. Sometimes when we are going through the day-to-day craziness of life, you don’t notice things that are out of place or are in need of maintenance.”
JA: “It’s a good idea to develop a yearly maintenance plan so you can have a checklist of things you need to do around your home in each season. This can include things like changing filters or cleaning things like your ice maker, as well as things like getting your gutters cleaned, hose bibbs winterized, etc before colder weather sets in.
It’s always a good idea to take a walk around your property a few times a year and just look things over. Sometimes when we are going through the day-to-day craziness of life, you don’t notice things that are out of place or are in need of maintenance.”
Colder Weather Checklist
HVAC System Maintenance:
– Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to ensure heating system functionality.
– Replace furnace filters to enhance efficiency and air quality.
– Consider programmable thermostats for optimized heating schedules.
Insulation Inspection:
– Assess attic, wall, and basement insulation; add insulation as needed.
– Check doors and windows for drafts; seal gaps with weather stripping and caulk.
– Apply plastic film or insulating curtains to windows to reduce heat loss.
Fireplace and Chimney Inspection:
– Safely clean and inspect the fireplace and chimney for optimal safety and efficiency.
– Verify that the damper is functioning correctly when the fireplace is not in use.
Roof and Gutter Maintenance:
– Examine the roof for damaged shingles or leaks and address necessary repairs.
– Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water accumulation and ice dams.
Outdoor Plumbing and Hose Bibbs:
– Disconnect and store garden hoses for the winter.
– Install hose bib covers or insulation to safeguard outdoor faucets from freezing.
Outdoor Cleanup:
– Trim branches near your home to mitigate the risk of damage from heavy snow or ice.
– Remove dead or overhanging branches that could pose a threat.
– Trim and protect delicate plants from frost.
– Consider winterizing irrigation systems to prevent freezing damage during colder weather.
– Rake leaves and clear debris from your lawn to encourage healthy springtime grass growth.
– Prune perennial plants and provide mulch for sensitive ones.
– Shield patio furniture and cushions from winter weather by cleaning and storing them properly.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
– Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries or install new ones for safety.
Insulate Water Pipes:
– Insulate exposed water pipes in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces to prevent freezing.
Check Attic Ventilation:
– Verify adequate attic ventilation to deter ice dams on the roof.
Drain Outdoor Water Features:
– If you have outdoor fountains or water features, drain and store them to prevent winter damage.
– Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to ensure heating system functionality.
– Replace furnace filters to enhance efficiency and air quality.
– Consider programmable thermostats for optimized heating schedules.
Insulation Inspection:
– Assess attic, wall, and basement insulation; add insulation as needed.
– Check doors and windows for drafts; seal gaps with weather stripping and caulk.
– Apply plastic film or insulating curtains to windows to reduce heat loss.
Fireplace and Chimney Inspection:
– Safely clean and inspect the fireplace and chimney for optimal safety and efficiency.
– Verify that the damper is functioning correctly when the fireplace is not in use.
Roof and Gutter Maintenance:
– Examine the roof for damaged shingles or leaks and address necessary repairs.
– Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water accumulation and ice dams.
Outdoor Plumbing and Hose Bibbs:
– Disconnect and store garden hoses for the winter.
– Install hose bib covers or insulation to safeguard outdoor faucets from freezing.
Outdoor Cleanup:
– Trim branches near your home to mitigate the risk of damage from heavy snow or ice.
– Remove dead or overhanging branches that could pose a threat.
– Trim and protect delicate plants from frost.
– Consider winterizing irrigation systems to prevent freezing damage during colder weather.
– Rake leaves and clear debris from your lawn to encourage healthy springtime grass growth.
– Prune perennial plants and provide mulch for sensitive ones.
– Shield patio furniture and cushions from winter weather by cleaning and storing them properly.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
– Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries or install new ones for safety.
Insulate Water Pipes:
– Insulate exposed water pipes in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces to prevent freezing.
Check Attic Ventilation:
– Verify adequate attic ventilation to deter ice dams on the roof.
Drain Outdoor Water Features:
– If you have outdoor fountains or water features, drain and store them to prevent winter damage.
In Conclusion
By adhering to these recommendations and heeding Jeff Arms’ expert counsel, you can fortify your home for the colder weather, reduce the risk of winter-related issues, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family.
At Arms Home Inspection, we are committed to empowering homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard their homes year-round.
Made in conjunction with the Bill McGarrigle Team.
At Arms Home Inspection, we are committed to empowering homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard their homes year-round.
Made in conjunction with the Bill McGarrigle Team.
