Winter sounds magical, right? Cozy nights, twinkling lights, and sipping your favorite warm drink. But when it comes to your home, winter has a different side—a side that can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Depending on where you live, winter weather brings its own set of challenges. Here’s a quick rundown of the things to watch out for so you and your home can stay safe and snug all season long.
Frozen Pipes
Ah, frozen pipes—probably the most annoying winter issue to watch for in your home. Pipes freeze when the temperature drops too low, and unfortunately, this isn’t specifically a “cold-weather state” problem. When pipes freeze, they can burst, which means water damage and an emergency call to a plumber.
To prevent this, make sure to insulate pipes in unheated areas like your garage, attic, or crawl spaces. And here’s a simple trick to swear by—leave a tiny trickle of water running on super-cold nights to keep things flowing. Trust us, it’s cheaper than a broken pipe!
Drafty Attics
Ever feel like your heating bill skyrockets in winter, but your house still feels chilly? Drafty attics might be to blame. Heat loves to escape through your roof, and old insulation might not be doing its job.
Take a peek up there and see if you can spot any gaps or thin spots in the insulation. If you notice things don’t look as good as they should, upgraded insulation might be the solution you’re looking for. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the benefits of a professional attic insulation installer before you decide to do it on your own—it might be worth the investment.
Cracking Foundation
Okay, I know this one sounds scary, but the freeze-thaw cycle of winter can be brutal on your home’s foundation. Water seeps into the soil before freezing and expanding, putting pressure on your foundation and making it shift and eventually crack.
While there’s a lot you can do to prevent your home’s foundation from shifting, the best first line of defense is to keep an eye out for cracks in the walls or floors, especially in your basement. After that, you should ensure your gutters direct water away from your foundation to prevent excess moisture. It’s one of those “little fix now, big save later” kind of things.
Mold Growth
Winter might feel dry and chilly, but mold doesn’t care—it just needs moisture and a cozy nook in your home to spread. Common spots include basements, bathrooms, and anywhere that condensation builds up (hello, windows!).
Fortunately, a good dehumidifier can work wonders, particularly in damp spaces. And if you see signs of mold, tackle it right away to prevent it from spreading. It’s all about staying ahead of the game.
Overworked Heater
Your heater puts in overtime during winter; bless its little motor. But if it becomes overworked, you could end up with inconvenient breakdowns that lead to a freezing house in the middle of January.
If it’s been a while, be sure to check your system for any minor issues you can fix. Change the filters, listen for weird noises, and clear any obstructions from vents. It’s sort of like taking your car in for maintenance—just a little TLC can keep everything running smoothly.
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