Get Ready To Winterize Your Home

Be Proactive about winterizing your plumbing! Make sure that your plumbing isn’t vulnerable to the cycles of freezing and thawing that can cause pipes to burst -- a disaster that can result in water damage or the growth of mold. To weatherproof your plumbing, shut off the supply of water to outdoor spigots, swamp coolers, and sprinkler systems, then drain them. (Depending on your irrigation system, you may also need a contractor to blow out any excess moisture with compressed air.) Also cover the outdoor components of your air conditioner or swamp cooler to protect them from the elements. Seal leaks and save money. Check your roof for loose or missing shingles and gaps around your chimney, flues, and other openings and do the same for your home’s exterior. Be especially watchful of the areas around windows, doors, and your foundation. Once you identify areas where water might intrude or ice could form, address these problems. Caulk cracks or install weather stripping where appropriate. Shoring up any leaks will provide a more comfortable and trouble-free winter. Ask a professional to handle repairs that are outside your comfort zone and be sure to request project estimates up front. Check out your chimney. If you plan to use your fireplace this winter, make sure your chimney is clean and no critters have made themselves at home there. The last thing you need when cozying up to your hearth is a disaster waiting to happen in the chimney. Call a chimney sweep to inspect your chimney and clean out soot and other hazardous debris.