Get Your Home Ready for Winter Cold and Storms (Part 2: Outside)

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Winterizing your home will pay off in a reduced chance of damage from storms and cold weather. Here's what to do outside your house.

Winter is coming, bringing with it the possibility of home damage from storms and cold weather. Part 1 of this article focused on what you need to do inside your home to protect against damage from winter storms and icy temperatures. Read on for what steps to take outside your house.

Prepare Your House

• Storm windows and doors: Adding these to your home will not only keep the warm air inside, but will also help protect against intrusion by strong winds.
• Faucets: Detach and store hoses inside your home, shed or garage. Drain any water still in the exterior spigot and turn the spigot off inside the house. If you have an irrigation system, have it blown out.
• Roof: Inspect your roof (perhaps using binoculars) to spot missing or damaged shingles, and have repairs made before winter hits. Check that your gutters are cleaned out and firmly attached to your house.
• Lights: Test your exterior lights to make sure all are working; replace bulbs if necessary, or have the fixture repaired.
• Foundation: Check the perimeter of your home for cracks and small openings that may provide a way for mice and other animals to enter when they seek warmth and shelter. Seal any gaps.

Prepare Your Yard and Property

• Debris: In a storm’s strong wind or under the weight of snow or ice, tree branches can fall onto or scrape against your home’s exterior. Pick up and dispose of dead or dangling branches around your roof, siding, HVAC unit, electric or gas meters, dryer exhaust vent and basement windows.
• Furniture: Store your patio furniture and cushions in a shed, garage or basement.
• Firewood: Stack your firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
• Snow removal: Get your snow and ice removal equipment ready for action. Check that your shovels are in good condition and perform an annual tune-up on your snow blower, if you have one. Keep a supply of de-icing product on hand, too.
• Holiday decorations: Before you decorate outside your home, check wiring for fraying and good operation. Securely attach any decorations to the exterior of your home and use only extension cords rated for exterior use.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

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SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

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If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141