Properly preparing for cold winter weather is important if you want to be sure that you and your family can be as comfortable as possible when temperatures start to drop.
There are many people who move to areas of the country that are prone to harsh winter weather without knowing the first thing about prepping for the issues that can arise during the colder times of the year.
People moving from all climates need to take the time to learn how to prep properly for cold weather and here are a few tips of things that should be done in the fall to ensure that the family is ready for the cold winter ahead.
Ensure Your Roof is Strong and Stable
Snow and ice can be very heavy. Hiring roofing architects to come and inspect your roof before snow starts to fall will give you peace of mind that it is strong enough to hold the weight of snow and ice and gives the architects plenty of time to make repairs that may be needed.
There are times when trusses need to be added to a home to provide the roof with the additional support that it needs or issues with shingles or flashing repairs that could cause the roof to leak when the snow and ice start to melt.
It’s much easier to have repairs made without any snow or ice on the roof because the roofing company can make the repairs quickly without having to constantly shovel snow and ice out of their way.
Ensure the Pipes Are Protected
During cold times of the year, it’s common for pipes in a home to burst. This can create a huge mess and lead to a lot of damage being caused to your home. Many people assume that pipes that run through their crawlspace won’t freeze during cold winter weather because of the heat created in the house.
That isn’t always the case. It’s best to wrap heating strips around the pipes if the temperatures stay below freezing for long periods of time. Areas where it gets very cold only at night or for short periods of time can often have pipe insulation put around their pipes to diminish the chances of them bursting.
Secure the Crawlspace
The last thing you want is to have animals living in your home during winter. Hire a professional to seal your crawlspace so that rodents and insects cannot easily get into your house without your knowledge. It’s best to have the crawlspace sealed by professionals because animals can get through very tiny holes and cracks and the company will have the materials and experience needed to ensure that every crack and crevice of your crawlspace is sealed up properly.
Invest in a Generator
When harsh weather hits, it can cause ice to collect on trees and fall onto power lines. This can lead to power outages that could last for days or even weeks on end. Investing in a generator can be a great way to ensure that you are able to produce enough power to keep certain things powered, such as the refrigerator and heating in the house.
Many people choose to invest in gas powered generators, because they are easy to operate and are often very affordably priced. In order to get the best price for the generator you should shop for one at the end of winter. There are also sales and some areas offer tax free shopping for items that can be used after a natural disaster.
Clean out Your Gutters
Many homeowners don’t realize how important it is to clean out their gutters before winter. You don’t want the gutters to be filled with leaves and then have snow collect in them. The massive weight within the gutters could cause them to pull loose from your house and cause major damage.
Buy Nonperishable Foods
When the power is out, you won’t be able to cook food for the family on the stove or in the oven. Buying nonperishable foods is a great option because it provides you with the opportunity to feed your family quickly and easily.
MREs are ready-to-eat meals that come with everything you need to have a hot meal even when you don’t have power. They are small packets that come with a heating element that allows you to heat the food enough to make it somewhat enjoyable to eat.
You can also invest in canned foods and shelf-stable products that don’t require you to add anything to them in order to enjoy them. Be sure to have a manual can opener in the house because you won’t be able to use an electric can opener once the power is out.
Proper planning can make getting through cold winters easier. Many families choose to have all their prepping done before the end of fall so that they don’t have to worry about dealing with issues after the cold weather hits.
It’ll be easier to get the right professionals to your house during warmer weather because their companies won’t be inundated with other clients who need the same repairs your home needs. It’s best to store everything that you purchase in a single location so that you can easily find everything that you need when you need it. Be sure to check the expiration dates on the foods that you purchase to make sure that nothing expires before you can use it.
