Prepare Your Houston Home for Winter Checklist
The Winter Houston Home Inspection Checklist Houston Home Inspectors – same-day report. Serving the greater Houston area. Call Dean at (713) 377 0111. Whether you’re in Houston or elsewhere, it’s crucial to remove, heat, or insulate any water buildup to protect against harsh winds, cold temperatures, ice sheets, and snow. Check these items before freezing temperatures arrive. Schedule Your Home Inspection Today.
#1. Add mulch to protect plants and trim tree branches to prevent ice buildup.
Checklists to Prepare Your Home for Freezing Winters. Adding new mulch is beneficial for plants during winter. Apply two to four inches of organic mulch to the roots. If plants are still underground, create a moat by gently pulling the mulch away. Add mulch after they die to protect herbaceous plants and re-emerge in spring. Trim branches that are too high to prevent ice
buildup and wind damage. Disconnect your sprinkler system now based on its design.
#2. Clean gutters to avoid ice dams and remove debris.
After clearing your gutters of autumn leaves, remember to double-check them during cold weather. Ice dams can form from water backing up into your attic, causing potential issues with repetition. To be cautious, inspect your gutters and remove any accumulated debris since the last cleaning.
#3. Cover outdoor faucets with Styrofoam caps and insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
Get a foam cover for outdoor faucets at a nearby home store, even if they're frost-free.
Disconnect hoses when it gets cold at night. Add a protective cap. While some insulate with pipe insulation, the foam cap is best for lasting use. It's easy to install, can be stored, and lasts all winter.
#4. Seal crawl spaces and wrap pipes with insulation or heat tape.
Protect Your Pipes. Crawlspaces are vulnerable to freezing pipes in winter. Seal foundation vents
to keep out cold winds. Use pipe insulation on outer walls (like pool noodles). Apply heat tape for susceptible pipes. Frozen pipes are inconvenient and can lead to major damage if they burst.
#5. Caulk windows and doors to keep out drafts and inspect weatherstripping.
Clean windows and doors using a caulk knife. Use the caulk gun to apply the caulk, pushing it into each opening. Angle the tip for a continuous bead. Inspect weatherstripping, an essential
barrier against cold air. Explore various options for weatherstripping.
#6. Get a professional chimney inspection to ensure safety.
While some websites suggest inspecting your chimney yourself, it's not recommended. Doing
your root canals is also possible, but it could be a better idea. Instead, opt for professional chimney sweep. The problem is that many chimney fireplaces start higher up, making detecting issues from the hearth difficult. A wood stove with a double- or triple-walled flue may offer better access, but it must still be worth the risk. Treat this matter seriously to prevent any potential disasters.
#7. Remember to winterize any other properties you may have. Consider hiring professional help for plumbing.
Consider whether you have a second home. Location determines the required maintenance. Choose between self-care or hiring help. DIY winterizing involves testing all shut-off valves. Replace them during this time, as the water main will be turned off.