Last-Minute Tips to Protect Your Home from the Freeze
Winter has arrived, and with it, plunging temperatures that can put your home at risk. Whether you’ve already taken steps to prepare ahead of this week or you’re just realizing you need to catch up, don’t worry—it’s not too late to protect your home. With a few quick actions, you can shield your property from the cold and avoid costly damage. At Fine Point Homes, we believe in taking proactive steps to maintain your home, ensuring both its longevity and peace of mind throughout any season.
Here are some last-minute tips to help you safeguard your home this week as temperatures continue to drop:
Protect your water pipes: Disconnect and store any garden hoses. Then, shut off the water to your outdoor faucets, drain the lines, and cover your hose bibs.
Let your faucets drip: Allow a small trickle of water to run from faucets, especially those near exterior walls, to keep water moving through the pipes and prevent freezing.
Open cabinet doors: If you have any pipes under sinks that might be exposed to the cold, open the cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around them, especially at night when temperatures are lower.
Locate your water shut-off valve: Locate and ensure you can easily access your main shut-off valve in case of a plumbing emergency.
Clean gutters: Clean gutters to avoid ice dams. Leaves and debris can block water flow, leading to frozen gutters and potential water damage.
Protect indoor and outdoor plants: Use burlap, old sheets, or frost blankets to cover outdoor plants. Avoid using plastic directly on the plants, as it can trap moisture and cause damage. If possible, move potted plants to a sheltered location, like a porch, garage, or indoors.
Prepare for power outages: Winter storms can sometimes cause power outages, leaving you without heat and light for hours or even days. Keep a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, and blankets. Flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and a portable phone charger will also come in handy.
While you might feel like you’re racing against the clock with the drop in temperatures this week, it’s not too late to take action! Don’t let the chill catch you off guard—take these simple steps, and you’ll be well-prepared to face the colder days ahead. If you need help with any of these or have any questions, feel free to contact us. Fine Point Homes is here to help make your home the best it can be, season after season.
Here is a link to our homeowner’s manual, a comprehensive guide outlining essential maintenance tasks to keep your home running efficiently and in good condition. The manual helps homeowners stay on top of routine care by breaking down tasks into monthly, quarterly, and annual schedules.