The winter season brings harsh storms, slushy rain, and serious drops in temperature. Whether you hate the snow or love it, there’s really no way to avoid it in Pennsylvania. The good news is, there are ways for you to protect your home from the threatening snow damage that comes every winter. If you’re not sure how to prepare your home for the first snowfall, you’ll be happy to know we’ve provided a checklist to ensure your home is more than ready.
Preparing Your Basement
Due to the heavy rain, you may believe spring is your basement’s worst enemy, but the winter can cause just as much damage. To prepare your basement for snowfall, there are a few things you can do:
- Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks and leaks.
- Insulate your basement.
- Ensure your sump pump is properly working.
- Protect your plumbing by wrapping any exposed pipes.
Preparing Your Roof
If there’s one part of your home you want to protect, it’s your roof. Preparing your roof for the winter is extremely important if you want to avoid thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs later. Here’s a helpful list to help you prevent any expensive damage:
- Inspect and clean your gutters.
- Trim large tree branches that loom over your home.
- Examine your roof for damage.
- Check your roof flashing.
Preparing Your Doors and Windows
If your doors and windows aren’t ready for the winter, you’re going to have a major spike in your electric bill. Not only that, but you’ll definitely be freezing. Here are a couple of things you can do to prevent you from wearing a hat and gloves inside your home:
- Examine your windows for any cracks or damage.
- Check your doors and windows for loose caulking.
- Check for any drafts near your doors and windows.
- If you have wooden window frames, check for any signs of rotting or decay.
Have the Right Equipment
The last way you can prepare your home for the first snowfall is to ensure you have the right equipment. The most important things to have are a snow shovel or snow blower, salt to spread on your driveway and sidewalk, and a backup generator for any dangerous snowstorms. Having the right gear ahead of time is key to staying safe. After all, no one wants to take an emergency drive to the store during a severe snowstorm.
You need to prepare every part of your home for the winter. This will prevent any damage that comes with the harsh weather. Use our suggestions as a helpful home preparation checklist. It will guarantee the safety and well-being of your most valuable asset.
