SOME TIPS FOR WINTERIZING YOUR HOME
A HOME INSPECTION CAN HELP PROTECT YOUR HOUSE IN WINTER
Winter seems to happen earlier every year, regardless of what the calendar says. You can be caught off guard as far as protecting your house against cold weather. Although you don’t need to have an inspection, it will allow you to know the condition of your house before winter sets in. Your Home Inspector offers some tips for winterizing your home.
SOME WINTER HOME TIPS
The most damaging weather related problem you might face is frozen pipes. Long periods of consistent freezing temperature can lead to frozen pipes. If those pipes burst, you have a devastating and expensive situation to deal with. While the heat in your home protects faucets and showerheads, there are some pipes that are more exposed to the cold than you might be aware of. The good news is that these exposed pipes can be insulated. This protection would help to prevent frozen pipes.
Another frozen pipe related problem is outdoor spigots. These outside water lines may be the most susceptible to damage caused by freezing temperatures. Outside spigots are often run through the foundation of your house. One of these outdoor pipes could freeze and damage your foundation, resulting in a very costly repair. Many homes have interior shutoff valves for these outdoor faucets. Some don’t and need a cover over them to prevent freezing. Remember to see to these outdoor water lines before winter sets in.
If your heating system goes off due to a power outage, your pipes are vulnerable. A New Jersey home inspector will take a look at your heating equipment and make sure that it is in good working order.
Your roof gutters are also a place for freezing water to collect. This causes ice dams and prevents water from flowing down the spouts. It can also become heavy and make the gutters detach. Check your gutters before the onset of severe winter weather.
Chimneys should be cleaned prior to winter. Creosote can build up and create a fire hazard if you decide to burn wood in the fireplace. Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected.
Obviously, these preventative steps should be undertaken before it is really cold. The earlier in the season, the better. It is unpleasant to have to work on outdoor problems when the thermometer drops.
A HOME INSPECTION CAN SAVE YOU MONEY THIS WINTER
Calling Your Home Inspector LLC now to learn about our Bergen County home inspection process is a good idea. We will discuss the inspection procedure and go over a checklist with you. If we find a potential problem, we can recommend repairs or specialized inspections. With our knowledge and experience working for you, we can help protect your home against the worst that winter brings. Call Your Home Inspector at (201) 320-9092 today.