Winter Weather: Is Your Home or Commercial Property Prepared?

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Winter weather can be potentially damaging to your home or commercial property. Is your property prepared this winter?

It's winter here in southwestern New Hampshire which means snowstorms, ice, and cold weather are upon us. Our homes and properties are susceptible to damage when winter weather arrives. As we like to do each year, here are a few reminders and suggestions to prepare your home or property during the cold months.

• Protect water pipes from freezing. Flow-based leak detection systems can shut down your home's water supply in the event of an emergency. Be sure to cover outside faucets as well.
• Keep thermostats at a reasonable level to adequately heat your property. As a recommendation, avoid dropping your thermostat below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Backup generators are a great way to ensure key elements to your home can run in the event of a power outage. Furnaces and water heaters need power to run, not to mention the benefit of having light and the ability to use kitchen appliances.
• Adding insulation where needed, such as attics, cold and unheated basements, wall cavities, floors, basement windows, and around exposed pipes can greatly improve your property's ability to hold in heat and keep out the cold. 
• Be sure that the area around windows is caulked thoroughly to reduce heat loss and to cut down on your heating costs. 
• Clear rain gutters as often as possible. Specifically, be sure the downspouts are clear of debris to ensure proper drainage. 

Be sure to monitor and inspect these areas of your home regularly this winter. The more often they are checked, the more likely a potential issue is discovered before it becomes a real problem.