Most of us in Virginia enjoy having 4 unique seasons, even though we don’t like the hazards of winter as much. One of the ways we can prepare so that winter does not catch us unaware is to winterize our homes. Here are some tips on how to winterize your lake home:
Outside:
- Disconnect all hoses and outdoor spigots. Be sure to disconnect and drain all water hoses. This will help to protect them from freezing and bursting.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts. After all the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters and drains out. This will help to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.
- Inspect the roof for any damage. If you find any holes or cracks, have them repaired before the winter weather sets in.
- Consider buying and installing snowguards if you have a Metal Roof. This keeps huge chunks of ice from forming and falling on people going in and out of the house.
- Trim any trees or branches that are close to your house. Cut any trees or branches that are likely to fall during snow or ice storms. Planning can save you a lot of grief and expense due to trees/limbs falling and damaging your home during a winter storm.
- Cover the air conditioning unit. This step can increase the life of your AC unit as it helps to protect it from damaging rain, snow, and ice.
- Secure any patio furniture or other outdoor items. Cover or store any unused outdoor chairs, etc. This will help to prevent them from deterioration and damage during winter weather.
Inside:
- Insulate your attic and walls. If you don’t have enough insulation, adding more in the right places will help to keep your home more warm and comfortable.
- Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors. This will help to save on heating bills as well as prevent drafts and heat loss.
- Clean and tune up your heating system. Have a professional take a look at your heating system to ensure it is in good shape for cold winter days. This will help to ensure that it is working efficiently and safely to keep you warm.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. This is important to do every year, but it is especially important to do before the winter season.
Additional tips:
- Have a plan in case of a power outage. This may include having a generator, flashlights, extra blankets, and non-perishable food and water on hand.
- If you have a working fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected before the winter.
- Make sure that you have a good supply of firewood or other fuels on hand.
- If you have a generator, make sure to start it and be sure that it is in good working order. Also, keep extra gasoline on hand just in case.
- Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Get a CM detector and ensure your heating system is inspected and cleaned regularly.
- Check on the above systems in your home regularly during the winter to catch problems in advance.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you and your lake house are comfortable and secure during the winter months, no matter the forecast.
