01/09/2025
Winters in SE Michigan haven't been as bad in recent years but you should still make sure you are prepared for bad weather and its not too late even though we are in January!
Winter can be a harsh time of the year in many parts of the country. Snow, ice and heavy winds can wreak havoc on property.
Your house maintenance checklist for the winter should include these items:
Prevent frozen pipes.
Keep vents clear.
Check weather stripping and insulation.
Regularly check your roof and gutters.
Clear snow and ice.
*Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.*
Prevent frozen pipes. When water freezes, it can expand and cause your home’s pipes to break. When the water thaws, pipes can burst and flood your home, causing major damage.
Its recommended insulating exposed pipes, allowing faucets to drip during freezing temperatures and keeping the thermostat at a consistent temperature. “If it gets way below freezing and you have an older house, you may need to open cabinets and place extra heaters in areas,” Hock says. “We had a customer whose water line to the fridge broke in the crawl space and caused significant damage to a 100-year-old home.”
Keep vents clear. Recommended not closing off more than 20% of the furnace registers in your house. “This can cause unnecessary heat buildup and impact efficiency,” “Keep vents free of lint, dust and pet hair by vacuuming them at least once a month.”
Check weatherstripping and insulation. Check weatherstripping around your doors and windows to prevent drafts and heat loss. “Check your attic for proper insulation; many homes do not meet today's building codes,”
Regularly check your roof and gutters. After each snowstorm, inspect your roof and gutters for any damage or debris. “Buildup of snow and ice can lead to roof damage or cause your gutters to pull away from your house,”.
Clear snow and ice. Keep your home safe by removing snow from driveways, walkways and your roof to prevent ice dams and potential damage.
“Contact a reputable mitigation contractor if you have water coming in or a roofer if you see the ice dam forming. If your house doesn't have ice and water on the eaves, it will come into your soffits and get your insulation wet, and may cause mold,”
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. “With the increased use of heating systems and fireplaces in the winter, the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning also increases,” “Regularly test your detectors to ensure they are working correctly.”
Its also recommended to get a fire extinguisher if you don’t have one and inspecting your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors once a month to ensure they’re operating properly and aren’t damaged.
