Winter can wreak havoc on your home. From icy pipes to drafty windows, there are plenty of potential pitfalls. Review these mistakes to avoid with your home this winter so you can keep your family comfortable and safe all season long.
Skipping Roof Repairs
When roof damage occurs during winter, you may feel tempted to wait for repairs until spring arrives. However, waiting will only exacerbate your problems. By fixing it as soon as possible, you can avoid making conditions worse in your home during the remaining colder months. In addition, researching how to choose the right roofing contractor for winter repairs can help you put your home in the hands of a reputable company.
Leaving Your Pipes Uninsulated
Another mistake to avoid with your home this winter is leaving your pipes without insulation. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands and risks bursting the pipe entirely. This brings expensive repairs and potential water damage to your home.
Wrapping exposed pipes with insulation reduces this risk significantly. Additionally, outdoor plumbing and pipes running through a chilly basement or garage deserve special attention since they experience lower temperatures.
Putting Firewood Next to Your Home
Your fireplace can offer your family warmth and comfort during the winter, but how you store firewood can impact your safety. Piling it up right next to the house invites pests closer to your living space.
Even if you can’t see them, mice, insects, or rats that have gathered in your wood pile might find their way inside during cold weather. Place firewood at least six feet away from your house and elevate it off the ground to reduce these risks. This keeps your home and family protected from pesky pests.
Not Disconnecting Hoses from Your House
Leaving garden hoses attached during freezing temperatures brings trouble more serious than a simple inconvenience. Water trapped in a hose can freeze and create pressure that may lead to cracks in your outdoor faucet.
Disconnecting hoses before freezing weather arrives prevents this risk altogether. Take an extra step by using outdoor faucet covers to help reduce heat loss through pipes and protect exposed fixtures.
Failing to Use a Humidifier
Your heaters work overtime during the winter, but drying out indoor air can cause discomfort. A lack of humidity in the air leads to cracked skin and irritated sinuses and promotes static electricity indoors. Using a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air, creating a more comfortable living environment for you and your family.
It also protects your wood furniture and flooring, preventing cracking or warping due to dry conditions. You’ll notice the difference with a consistent indoor air balance.
Winter presents a variety of challenges for homeowners, but avoiding these mistakes keeps your property safe and functional throughout the season. Take these steps to enjoy a cozy, stress-free winter inside your home.
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