Fortify Your Home Against Utah’s Winter: A ReKaDa Guide
In regions where winter’s cold is relentless, safeguarding your home’s structural and mechanical systems is crucial. With water turning into ice, the challenges mount, making it imperative to shield your home effectively. ReKaDa brings you invaluable insights to brace your home for winter’s icy grasp.
Water Pipe Guardianship: Winterizing outdoor plumbing is essential. Disconnect garden hoses, shut off water to outdoor faucets, drain the lines, and insulate hose bibs. For indoor pipes in exterior walls, ensure adequate insulation and keep a vigilant eye during winter.
Crack Sealing Mastery: Tiny holes and cracks can be gateways for cold air. Seal these potential entry points with foam insulation and weather stripping to preserve indoor warmth and fend off the cold.
Insulation Enhancement: Boost your home’s defense with adequate insulation in exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, and around pipes. An energy audit from your utility company can guide you on improving insulation levels to meet regional standards.
Continuous Water Flow: During severe cold, let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing, especially those on inadequately insulated exterior walls. Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Accessible Water Shut-off: Ensure easy access to the main water shut-off valve and familiarize all household members with its location and operation. This knowledge is crucial in case of a burst pipe.
Water Meter Familiarity: Have a meter key or adjustable wrench handy for emergencies, and practice using it. However, adhere to your city’s regulations regarding water shut-off.
Garage Door Discipline: Minimize open times for attached garages to keep cold air out and protect plumbing in shared walls.
Gutter Maintenance: Clean gutters prevent ice formation on roofs. Ensure yours are clear of debris before winter sets in.
Attic Ventilation Check: Proper ventilation in the attic is crucial to prevent ice dams on the roof. Ensure no insulation is blocking soffits or vents.
Thermostat Upkeep: Maintain a continuous-running thermostat with spare batteries readily available.
Vacation Preparation: If you plan to be away, consider shutting off and draining your home’s water. Invest in freeze alarms that notify you of dangerous temperature drops, providing peace of mind while you're away.
Insurance Review: Ensure your homeowner’s policy is current and provides adequate coverage for freeze-related damages.
With these tips from ReKaDa, your home will stand resilient against the winter, providing a warm and secure haven for you and your family.
