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With a bit of preparation, you can be ready for any dips in the temperature before cold weather settles across the area. While the temps around Houston don’t often drop below freezing for long periods of time during the winter season, there can be a few days each season that deliver some hard-freeze warnings.
When you follow my checklist for winterizing key areas around your Houston home, you can take comfort in knowing you’ve covered all the bases even if you’ve never winterized before.
As you make your way around your home, be sure to give attention to each of these key areas.
Frozen pipes often top the list because many homes across the area are built on slab foundations meaning the pipes usually run through the attic, along outside walls, or in crawl spaces. These vulnerable locations need some added insulation around the pipes to keep the pipes warm and protected. Pipe insulation is available as fiberglass or foam sleeves from most home centers or hardware stores. The sleeve thickness varies from 1/8-inch to two inches and the store sales staff can guide you towards the best choice for your home and situation.
Prior to the start of winter, get in the habit of turning off any exterior spigots and drain the pipe, where possible. This same practice applies to outdoor garden hoses you may leave attached to the outside spigot. Ideally, it’s best to detach the hose and store the hose indoors during the winter months. Don’t forget to disconnect and turn-off automatic sprinklers.
While we’re discussing pipes, let’s consider whether to drip or not drip the interior faucets. Allowing a slow drip keeps the water flowing through the pipes and flowing water is less vulnerable to freezing. In some communities, households are asked not to drip to avoid pressure build-up when the water system is flushing water lines to relieve any frozen build-up. Follow the guidelines for your community. If you’re concerned the overnight conditions will be too cold, open the cabinet door under the kitchen sink and in the bathrooms to allow the room’s interior heat easier access to the pipes.
Many pools have freeze protection built-in, if you’re unsure check with a trusted pool maintenance company. The pool water can handle a few hours of freezing temps without damage but if weather forecasters are predicting longer temperature drops, you may want to keep the water moving. Moving water is less likely to deep freeze and cause damage.
Give your outdoor plants that are more sensitive to cold some added protection. Wrap these tender plants with burlap, a blanket, mulch, or even straw to give them an extra layer of warmth. Potted plants can be brought inside or placed in the garage. Depending on the size and location of your plantings you could place a cardboard box or basket over top to keep frost (or snow) away from the plant.
Indoors will be the most comfortable place for your pets. Be sure to stock up on extra pet food and needed medications if the forecasters are predicting slick roads and wintry conditions for several days. You’ll be glad you won’t need to venture out in the worst of the blustery weather for something forgotten.
If you have a pet that must remain outdoors, add some extra warmth to their shelter with blankets, straw, or added insulation to their shelter. Consider dressing your pup in a cozy sweater for walks and potty outings. The extra layer will keep them cozy and comfortable while they are outdoors.
As you walk around your home, be mindful of drafts along windows and doors. You may notice a place where the weather stripping has worn away or is missing. Adding a draft guard or a rolled rug to a door will keep the chill from coming under an exterior door.
Sara Tip: Use a candle or an incense stick as you check for drafts. The draft will move the flame or smoke, signaling air movement.
Check the gutters to make certain they are clear and unclogged. A blocked gutter will direct water into places you don’t want it to go which can lead to water damage issues.
Prevent falls on walkways by adding handrails. Also keep rock salt or ice melt on hand. You may even prefer to spread a layer of sand or gravel to give a slippery sidewalk some grip.
The lesson to remember is avoid being overwhelmed with winterizing your home. If you follow this checklist you’ll have the key areas covered and be prepared when the temperature drops.
Looking for a home where the homeowner’s association includes having someone check and do this winterizing for you? Let’s talk. I’m happy to help you find the ideal home where everything is taken care for you.
Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.
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