How to winterize your home

Cold weather and freezing conditions can terrorize your home both inside and out.

According to the insurance provider Munich Re, winter weather causes more than $1 billion in insured losses every year in the U.S. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening. Read on to learn about ways to make sure your home stays in peak condition during the cold winter months.

Wrap Your Pipes

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, a burst pipe can cause $5,000 or more in damage. Pipe insulation is relatively cheap and gives your pipes the protection they need from freezing weather. You can install this yourself, or call a local contractor to help you out. The key to keeping your pipes in good condition is paying special attention to your basement pipes. The IIBHS estimates that 37 percent of all burst pipes occur in the basement.

Help Your Heaters

Fireplaces and heating equipment are some of the biggest causes of home fires, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This potential danger doesn’t have to be so common. With a little prevention and common sense, you can help avoid these types of situations. Work with a local inspector to check these critical heating elements, as well as the chimney, which can build up dangerous chemicals and experience water leak issues.

Outside Maintenance

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and then freeze. By keeping your gutters clean and properly maintained, you can preserve the life of your gutters and even your roof. Your gutters must be properly maintained to ensure any snow melt runs off your roof and through your downspouts.

Speaking of outside, don’t overlook a loose patio stone or paving stone. These can be compromised by the frost, which can crack or damage the stone.

When you’re finished with the patio, look for ailing tree limbs around your yard. Pull them down safely to avoid them being ripped off in a storm, which can fall on you or someone else.

CREDIT: GREEN SHOOT MEDIA