Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Winter Preparedness

Summer is officially over - as much as we hate to admit it, and winter weather is just around the corner. Colder temperatures pose a variety of challenges for homeowners, and now is the perfect time to start preparing. Learn how to prevent fires this season and ensure you won't run into any fire or water damage.

Here are a few easy tips from SERVPRO of Fontana to winterize your home.

Have your Fireplace Inspected

Those of us who can’t stand cold winter weather can take some solace in the thought of a cozy evening by the hearth. But if it’s been many months since you last used your fireplace, it’s a good idea to inspect it beforehand and ensure that it’s safe to operate.

Check your chimney both inside and out. Shining a flashlight up can illuminate crumbling bricks or mortar, as well as any leaves or other debris that may have collected. You’ll also want to ensure that the flashing on your roof is secure, and that any tree limbs that may have grown too close to the chimney are pruned back. If your roof is difficult to access or if you have safety concerns, call in a professional to carry out the inspection (as well as any necessary repairs).

Clean out your Drain Pipes and Gutters

It’s a smart idea to clean out your gutters and drain pipes at least a couple of times per year, and this is the perfect season to do so.

Your home’s gutters and drainpipes serve an important role - guiding rain and snowmelt off the roof and a safe distance away from the foundation. During autumn, it’s not uncommon for gutters and drainpipes to become clogged, as trees start to shed leaves and twigs. This can cause water to build up and seep into your attic, walls, and/or basement, leading to expensive repairs. An hour or two spent cleaning today can save you a ton of hassle down the road.

Check your Smoke Alarms

How do you handle chilly days and freezing nights? Probably by cranking up the thermostat, boiling up some hot tea or cocoa, and pulling the old space heater out of storage.

Increased use of electrical equipment can lead to a heightened risk of fires during the winter months, so this is a great time to inspect your smoke alarms and ensure that they are working properly. Swapping out the battery periodically is easy enough, but remember that the equipment itself can degrade over time—the U.S. Fire Administration recommends replacing your smoke alarms every 10 years or so.

Install a Water Alarm

Many people aren’t even aware that “water alarms” exist, but these little devices serve an important role in any house. They work similarly to a fire alarm, alerting you to the presence of unwanted moisture and giving you the chance to contain a flood before the damage becomes too serious. Install them in the more flood-prone areas of the home, like your basement or attic.

Fit your Entrances with Door Sweeps

Ever notice those little strips of rubber or plastic you’ll sometimes see attached to the bottom edge of a door? Those are called “door sweeps”, and they’re meant to help seal the entrances to your home—against both cold-weather drafts and minor flooding from melting snow or ice. Door sweeps generally cost only a few dollars, and are easy to install in minutes, making them a very cost-effective choice for any home.

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For Southern California water, fire, and mold damage restoration, there’s only one SERVPRO of Fontana. We are Locally Owned and Operated and would love to hear from you. Give us a call at (909) 357-4337 and let us know how we can help.