Hi Everyone,
Well it seems we have a reprieve from the cold weather for a few days! Let the sun shine in!! Let’s take this time to do a few important things on the outside of your home, because 'old man winter' is far from going away...there is more cold weather on the horizon.
Rocket Dog says: "I wish I could help...but I have short arms... I'm heading back to Meerkat Manor and the sunshine!...But the tips below are great!"
The following items may seem small and unimportant but they are in fact VERY important to your 'home health'.
EXPERT ADVICE : 5 Winter Tips
1. Make sure your gutters are clean and free of pine needles, leaves and debris. While you are up there, check to make sure all gutter nails or screws are present and securely in place
Reason: When it rains and then gets cold the water turns to ice which is heavy, if your gutters are full of leaves/debris when the debris gets saturated with water it gets soggy and heavy, if you couple that with the water freezing in cold temperatures the weight could cause the gutters to sag and separate from the house.
Clean & Clear
2. Insulate any outdoor pipes that are visible in unheated areas of the home. Ex. Unfinished space in garages with exposed water lines. Purchase pipe insulation (it’s usually black and made of a spongy-foamy material) it’s very inexpensive.
Reason: Can save homeowners the hassle of a pipe bursting in extremely cold weather.
3. Invest in an outdoor water spigot cover...they generally cost about .98 cents at any home improvement store. They are simple to install, just affix the foam over the spigot and pull the lever to secure the cover snuggly against the house.
Reason: Easy way to protect outdoor water sources from the elements.
4. Make sure the weather strip at the bottom of the garage door is intact...the garage stays a lot warmer if this stripping/seal is intact.
Reason: Lots of cold air can enter/escape if this seal is compromised...and any type of uninvited 'winter warriors' of the 4, 6, or 8 legged family may see that opening as a 'welcome' sign. Yuk!
5. Put porch lights on a 'dusk to dawn' sensor. It gets dark earlier in the winter. Walkways should always be well lit.
Reason: The dusk to dawn sensor will ensure that you have lighted walkways/porches/doorways for safety and security. These sensors also save electri$ity. Cha-ching!
These are just a few simple tips that can save you a lot of time, money and maintenance in and around your home this winter.
Stay tuned for my next blog about a very cool item I found at Pier 1 Imports!!
xoxo TMW
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