Protect Your Home This Winter With These Five Tips
As temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, it’s important to protect your home from the winter weather. Here in North Central Washington, whether you are in Okanogan, Lake Chelan, Wenatchee or Leavenworth, we get our fair share of snow and ice, so it’s crucial to be prepared. From ensuring your gutters are clean to make sure your furnace is in good working order, a little bit of preparation now can go a long way in preventing costly repairs down the road.
Here are five ways to protect your home from winter weather:
1. Inspect Your Gutters and Downspouts
One of the best ways to prevent damage to your home during the winter is to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, which can lead to damage to your roof, fascia and soffit.
To avoid this, inspect your gutters regularly and clear them out as needed. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards to make maintenance easier.
2. Check Your Roof and Attic
Before the first snowfall in Wenatchee, for example, take some time to inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles. Also, check for any signs of leaks or other water damage. If you have an attic, be sure to check for any signs of leaks there as well. If you find any damage, have it repaired as soon as possible by a qualified professional.
3. Service Your Furnace
Your furnace is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home during the winter, so it’s important to ensure it’s in good working order.
Schedule a tune-up with a qualified technician before the start of winter to ensure that it’s operating efficiently and safely. This will help prevent breakdowns and keep your home warm all season long.
Reach out to the Nick McLean Real Estate Group or M Property Management our property management company for access to our preferred vendor list. We have trusted Wenatchee HVAC, Okanogan HVAC, Leavenworth HVAC, and Lake Chelan HVAC technicians throughout NCW.
4. Prepare Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common problems homeowners face during the winter months. To avoid this, make sure all exposed pipes are properly insulated before the cold weather hits. You should also disconnect any hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them completely. And if you’re going away on vacation, be sure to leave the heat on in your home so that pipes don’t freeze while you’re gone.
Reach out to the Nick McLean Real Estate Group or M Property Management our property management company, for access to our preferred vendor list. We have trusted Wenatchee Plumbers, Okanogan Plumbers, Leavenworth Plumbers, and Lake Chelan Plumbers throughout NCW.
5. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Lastly, stock up on essential winter supplies like rock salt or calcium chloride for melting ice on sidewalks and driveways, shovels for clearing snow, and firewood for warming up your home (if you have a fireplace). It’s also a good idea to have a supply of non-perishable food items on hand in case of power outages due to severe weather conditions.
By being prepared ahead of time, you can rest assured knowing that you and your family will be taken care of no matter what Mother Nature throws our way this winter season.
If you have a vacant home or a rental property, we can protect and manage your asset while increasing your return on investment. Contact M Property Management to Learn More.
As temperatures drop here in North Central Washington, it’s important to take steps now to protect your home from winter weather damage.
From inspecting your gutters and downspouts to stocking up on essential supplies, a little bit of preparation now can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
Nick McLean Real Estate Group Cares about you, your family and your home. Reach out for help with any of your real estate needs.
Best regards,
Nick McLean
Nick McLean Real Estate Group