Is your home ready for the winter weather?

12/6/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Metrocrest help you if disaster strikes because of cold weather. (972) 233-8400. https://www.SERVPROmetrocrest.com/

Here in the Dallas area the temperatures are getting low. Are you prepared for this kind of weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your property if you are not ready. While you cannot control the weather, you can take the appropriate steps to be prepared.   

It is important to protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes.

Inspect your property, especially walkways and parking spots, for proper drainage to alleviate a potential flood hazard.

Make sure your chimney flute is cleaned and the vent is open. With the cold weather comes fires in fireplaces.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Winter is the time most house fires happen. It’s the time of year when we’re blasting the furnace and building fires. We are also much more likely to have our home closed tight, so carbon monoxide is a much bigger hazard.

Check your drainage. Make sure the soil around your foundation has not settled, creating areas for water to pool at your foundation. If you find a low spot, simply fill it in with some soil. 

Seal your masonry and hard surfaces. Your patio needs attention, too. If you have a concrete patio, driveways, or walkways, make sure they are protected as well.

Paint, caulk, and seal exterior wood. All the wood trim on the exterior of your home needs to be protected from the elements. 

Check your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Before the weather turns cold, take this time to change your filters, at the very least. Better yet, investigate an annual maintenance agreement. It is much better to find an HVAC problem in the moderate temperatures of the fall than it is to find your furnace does not work on a frigid winter day.

Shut down the pool and the sprinkler system and drain outside faucets. Make sure your pool is properly shut down and prepare the system for winter.

Make sure your attic does not become a critter hotel. It is going to get cold out and your attic is the perfect winter home for squirrels and birds. These critters can cause a lot of damage and potentially some health problems.  

Cover your patio furniture. Get your patio furniture protected, but make sure you wait until a clear, warm day to cover it, so you don’t trap moisture on it.

If winter weather strikes your property call SERVPRO of Metrocrest (972) 233-8400.