Winterizing Homes and Vehicles
Although it’s been a pretty mild summer, lack of preparation can lead to a long, cold winter. It is important to be as prepared as possible.
Snow, ice and freezing temperatures cause billions of dollars in damage to properties every year. Here are some recommendations to mitigate issues this winter:
Let’s start at home. When the weather outside is frightful a warm, safe and winterized home is quite delightful!
Cracks kill your heating bill
One of the most simple and effective methods of stopping cold-air infiltration is to close all open holes, cracks, and open seams found on the exterior of your home.
Pay close attention to the outsides of windows, doors, hose faucets, and siding.
Pro-tip for inside the home: Use electrical outlet seals to stop cold-air infiltration through electrical wall outlets.
Don’t forget to inspect the weather stripping around exterior doors to ensure that it’s not ripped, crushed, or missing.
Insulation is King
Reduce heat loss and save money! Insulate your hot water heater and any related water pipes to keep the water hot inside the pipe. Pipe insulation comes in two basic types: foam-rubber sleeves that you slip onto the pipe, and insulated wraps that you can wind around the pipe.
Don’t forget your vacant home!
Vacant houses tend to be more prone to damage during extended periods of winter weather because no one is there consistently. In addition to all of the precautions we have suggested you take with your primary home, you should think about keeping the heat on a low temperature setting to prevent pipes from freezing.
Another precaution to take is to put some antifreeze in both the tank and bowl of each toilet.
If possible, make sure to ask someone you trust to check on the house every week or two so that potential issues can be caught sooner rather than later!
Next up -- your car! Don’t let the winter weather dictate your plans - prepare your car so you can still travel safely near and far! Ice, sleet, rain, snow, salt...every driver’s enemies without a doubt. Here are some no-brainer tips for you to follow to set yourself up for non-slippery and safe winter on the roads:
Have your car fully serviced before harsh weather hits:
Check your battery and make sure it is fully charged.
Get those brakes checked - yes that means, rotors, brake pads and calipers - oh my!
Make sure brake lights and headlights are shining bright.
Top off ALL of your car fluids; oil, radiator, transmission, brake, coolant, washer and power steering.
Winter windshield wiper blades are a must! Winter wipers are built to protect its blades from snow and ice buildup on the windshields, and can be the difference between a safe trip home and an expensive trip to the auto shop.
Make sure your front and back defrosters are in tip-top shape so you won’t be stuck having just to scrape!
Don’t wait until it’s too late - start making a plan to winterize your homes and vehicles now! Please reach out to us for more resources on winterization techniques and to discuss coverage options guaranteeing proper protection from damage to YOUR property.