North Carolina is known for its mild winters. But it doesn’t mean residents are completely protected from the season’s cold weather. It’s why homeowners need to be prepared for whatever weather comes your way. Get ready for the coldest season of the year when you winterize your home.
It’s great to keep in mind that your Robuck Home is built to last. It’s supported by a 1-year limited warranty and a 10-year structural warranty. And with a little routine care, you can help it stay beautiful, prevent damage, and ensure comfort for decades. Here are some practical tips from Robuck Homes’ Red Book to help you winterize it effectively.
1. Protect your pipes
When water freezes, it expands, which can create pressure on pipes. And this type of issue can lead to costly repairs. Simply protecting them in advance can prevent pipes from freezing altogether. Take these steps to prevent frozen pipes:
- Disconnect garden hoses from exterior spigots. Water left inside of the hose can cause problems with the spigot, pipes, and hose itself.
- Turn off water to exterior spigots, which are usually located in the crawl space, and drain any remaining water.
- During extremely cold weather, leave cabinet doors open below sinks and allow faucets on exterior walls to drip slightly.
- Ensure all rooms are adequately heated and avoid closing off any heated spaces.
2. Maintain your roof
With the potential of rain, snow, and ice buildup in the Carolinas, it’s important to get your roof ready for the cold. Heavy amounts of precipitation can cause leaks and structural damage, especially if there were already problems with your roof. Maintaining your roof is a key part of a plan to winterize your home. Take the time to do the following to keep your roof performing its best:
- Inspect for any signs of wear or damage to shingles and flashing. Missing or damaged shingles can let water into your home while also creating a loss in efficiency.
- Clean out gutters. This will prevent ice or water from clogging and pushing it into your shingles or foundation.
- Remove ice and snow from your roof to prevent water damage throughout the season.
3. Prepare your lawn and landscaping
Winter can be tough on your yard. To ensure it’s healthy when spring hits, be proactive to ensure it survives the winter and comes back looking its best. Get your lawn and landscape ready by doing the following:
- Rake and dispose of leaves and debris to prevent the growth of mold, which can create problems in the spring.
- Reseed and fertilize your lawn before the first frost to nourish grass roots over the winter.
- Prune shrubs as needed to prevent damage from snow and ice.
- Inspect swales and ensure proper drainage to avoid standing water that can freeze or overflow.
4. Check your crawl space
Your crawl space is vulnerable during winter because cold air and temperature swings can create the conditions for mold and mildew to grow. They can also be a spot for pests like rodents to make nests. Keep your crawl space functioning optimally by doing the following before winter weather hits:
- Ensure there is no standing water, which can create issues with mold and rot if not taken care of.
- Make sure all pipes, HVAC supply lines, foundation walls, and insulation are intact and secure.
- Look for pest damage or nests, which may need to be addressed before more costly repairs are required.
5. Winterize your irrigation system
The pipes in your home aren’t the only ones that can freeze and cause major damage. If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system for your home, you need to protect it from the cold, too. Prevent freezing damage to your irrigation system by doing the following:
- Turn off the water supply to stop water from moving through the system.
- Open the valves and drain the water from the system to ensure nothing is left behind to freeze and cause damage.
- Open and close the valves to allow the system to push out pressure, then keep them closed when done.
6. Inspect key systems
One important aspect of taking the time to winterize your home is that it gives you a chance to inspect your major home systems. Giving them a check every six months is crucial to your safety and the overall health of the home. Check the following:
- Main water cutoff valve: Ensure it is accessible and operable in case of emergencies.
- Dryer vent: Verify it is connected and free of obstructions to prevent fire hazards in your laundry room.
- HVAC system: Have an inspection done to make sure your system is clean and working properly, and to change air filters. Don’t forget to check your controls and thermostat, too.
7. Replace smoke detector batteries
Safety is critical for your entire family, which is why you need to be sure your smoke detectors are working and are in the right locations. Remember to do the following:
- Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors every six months to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Check to make sure you have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level and in all bedrooms.
- Check to make sure you have a working fire extinguisher on every level, plus one in the kitchen and garage.
8. Keep your home warm
Finally, don’t forget to do the following if temperatures drop significantly, which will keep your home functioning optimally:
- Open cabinet doors below sinks to let warm air get to the pipes.
- Keep faucets dripping slightly to ensure pipes don’t freeze inside of your home.
- Ensure all heated spaces remain open and warm.
What to remember
Keep in mind that when you winterize your home, you’re doing an essential part of home maintenance. By following these tips, you can protect your home from the harsh effects of winter and enjoy the season worry-free. For more detailed insights, consult your Robuck Homes Red Book and stay proactive with your home care. Stay warm and safe this winter!
