Winter can be tough on a house. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing expensive surprises. Here are five areas to focus on.
1. Prevent roof leaks
Winter roof leaks can be a serious problem. Common culprits include ice dams, clogged gutters, condensation and damaged shingles. A professional roof inspection can catch problems before they lead to mold or structural damage, so have a roofer check for damage and make sure your gutters are clear before the first freeze.
2. Seal out pests
Mice don’t hibernate, and in winter they look for shelter, warmth and food, often inside your home. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, so check where utilities and pipes enter the house and seal any gaps. Call pest control at the first sign of unwanted guests.
3. Keep pipes from freezing
The three main causes of frozen pipes are sudden temperature drops, poor insulation and thermostats set too low. Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, basements and attics, even if hard freezes are rare where you live. A crack just 1/8 inch wide can leak up to 10 gallons of water an hour. On the coldest nights, keep the heat on and let faucets on exterior walls drip.
