Denver Homes Online

FREEZE WARNING!

Cold Weather Home Prep Tips
Colorado 

Freezing temperatures can damage outside pipes, siding, decks, and gutters.  Snow and ice can snowball into a significant expenses if a home is not properly winterized.  

Act now to safeguard your home and reduce costs in the long run.

Freezing Temperature Tips:

• Open cabinets to circulate warm air in areas where pipes are on exterior walls.

• Allow a faucet to drip to keep water circulating when temps are well below freezing.

• Turn up your thermostat a few extra degrees.

• Open floor (and ceiling) heat registers fully.  Allow warm air to access pipes in cantilevers.

• Wrap previously frozen pipe locations with heat tape, cables, or add more insulation.

• Locate the main water shutoff as a precaution.

• Know an emergency plumber to call in event of a break.

• If you suspect a pipe is frozen, carefully turn on a nearby faucet to see if flowing.  If slow or blocked, carefully inspect pipe before using a space heater or blow dryer to thaw (no torches). Do not leave pipe unattended in case a crack in the pipe has developed.  If not repaired quickly, extensive water damage may occur once pipe thaws.

Outdoor Prep (In The Fall):

• Drain gas from lawn mowers.
• Drain and store water hoses.
• Shut off in-ground sprinkler systems and have water blown from pipes to avoid freezing.
• Add weather stripping and sealant to doors and windows as necessary. 
• Many sealants work best when applied in moderate temperatures, so timing is important.
• Seal driveway and sidewalk cracks to prevent snow and ice damage.
• Inspect gutters and roof.  Remove leaves and flush downspouts.
• Touch up paint or stain on wood surfaces.  Caulk openings as necessary.
• Contact an expert about when to trim trees.  Winter may be best - to prevent Fire Blight.
• Prepare winter tools, snow shovels and blowers.  Test, clean, repair.

Indoor Prep:

• Have your furnace inspected before it gets too cold.  This will save you from the rush.
• Replace the furnace filter.
• Check insultation levels.  Add where necessary.
• Seal openings around doors, windows, and exposed pipes.
• Use insulating drapes, curtains or blinds.
• Change screens on storm doors.
• Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and change batteries.
• Have the fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned.

Other:

• Schedule an energy audit from the electric utility, to find ways to save money.
• Assemble an emergency kit with candles, matches, and new batteries for flashlights. 
• Store some non-perishable food in case of an emergency.

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Michael Dagner is an expert in Denver-Area home sales.
Call today, (303) 514-4000, for help with your home sale or purchase.

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