5 Ways to Protect Your Home from a Cold Winter

Our homes protect us from the elements year-round, but they are not invincible to damage. This winter it’s important for homeowners to understand and take steps towards reinforcing and protecting their houses – stopping damage before it ever happens.

How to protect your home from the cold

Protecting your Pipes

As winter settles in the Carolinas, temperatures lower and we face the increasing likelihood of ice storms and freezes. The risk of frozen ice goes further than our roads and yards – pipes and plumbing can freeze and crack causing your home serious harm. Here are some simple steps that can protect your home this winter:

  • Leave cabinet doors under your sink open
  • Let your sinks hot and cold faucets drip overnight
  • Insulate the outside of your pipes (inside and out) with foam covers or cloth
  • Disconnect outside water lines – like sprinklers

Caring for your Crawl Space

Crawl Spaces are essential to the way our homes function. Therefore, protecting your home from winter weather includes protecting your crawl space. Check out these easy tips to safeguard your crawl space from the wintery elements:

Reassess your Roof

Roof damage can be costly and if left unnoticed or unpatched can harm the rest of your home due to cave-ins, leaks, and exposure to the elements. For advice on how to keep your roof in tip-top shape check out this list:

  • Inspect your roof before bad weather rolls in
  • Patch any existing holes or cracks
  • Keep an eye out for signs of leaks or cracks as water, snow, and ice pile up
  • After your roof has safely thawed, check for damages

Weatherstrip your Windows and Doors

Cold weather can be harmful during the winter months for both your home’s atmosphere and your energy bill. Weatherstripping your windows and doors is a necessity when preparing for and surviving the winter chill. Here are some steps on how to do just that:

  • Inspect your existing windows and door frames closely for any signs of damage or weak areas
  • Install weatherstripping – vinyl, foam, or metal – around the inside of your window and door frames
  • Caulk any leaks, cracks, or holes around the outside of your window frames
  • Don’t forget basement and garage doors