Extreme cold can make life tough for property owners. If ignored, problems like frozen pipes and icy walkways can cause big headaches and costly damages. Preparing your place beforehand keeps you, your family, and your things safe when temperatures drop.
Preventing these issues doesn’t have to be hard. With some planning and simple changes, you can reduce your risk from the cold and keep your home running smoothly all winter.
Here are some tips to help you prepare your property for extreme cold.
Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a common issue in extreme cold. When water freezes, it expands, causing pipes to burst and leading to expensive repairs and water damage. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces, to prevent this.
An easy tip is to let faucets drip a bit during freezing spells. This keeps water moving through the pipes, making it less likely to freeze. Also, disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water valves to stop any trapped water from freezing in the lines.
Seal Doors and Windows
In extreme cold weather, it’s essential to keep your home well-insulated. Check for any drafts around doors and windows because even tiny gaps can fill the freezing air. Weatherstripping and caulking are cheap ways to seal these spaces and keep your home’s temperature steady.
Consider using plastic window film for extra insulation if your windows are older. Heavy curtains or thermal blinds can also help keep the warmth inside and block out the cold. These steps protect your house and help cut down on energy bills.
Magnesium Chloride
Slippery walkways and driveways can be a big safety issue in winter. Using bulk magnesium chloride is an excellent choice for melting ice. It works fast and well, even when it’s freezing, helping to prevent slips and falls.
Magnesium chloride is popular because it draws in moisture, which helps the ice melt faster. It’s also less damaging to concrete, plants, and pets than regular salt. Spread it evenly on your paths before or when ice forms to keep your areas safe and easy to walk on.
Prepare Your Heating System
Slippery walkways and driveways can be a big safety issue in winter. Magnesium chloride is a great choice for melting ice. It works fast and well, even when it’s freezing, helping to prevent slips and falls.
Magnesium chloride is popular because it draws in moisture, which helps the ice melt faster. It’s also less damaging to concrete, plants, and pets than regular salt. Spread it evenly on your paths before or when ice forms to keep your areas safe and easy to walk on.
Maintain Your Roof and Gutters
Heavy snow and ice can harm your roof and cause leaks or even structural problems. Before winter arrives, check your roof for missing shingles or weak areas that could worsen with heavy snow.
Clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage. Ice dams can occur when melting snow refreezes at the edges of your roof, blocking water runoff and causing harm. Taking care of these tasks lowers the risk of issues and helps keep your property safe in harsh weather.
Stock Up on Essentials
To prepare for extreme cold, ensure you have the right supplies. Pick up things like rock salt or magnesium chloride for your walkways, extra blankets, and a backup power source in case the lights go out. It’s a smart idea to keep some non-perishable food and bottled water on hand if bad weather makes it hard to go out.
Ensure your car has winter tires and an emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, and first aid supplies. Having a well-prepared home and car helps you stay calm during unpredictable weather.
Inspect Outdoor Areas
Places like decks, porches, and patios need care in freezing weather. Remove any furniture or decorations that might be ruined by the freeze. If you have plants or shrubs, cover them with burlap or something similar to protect them from frost.
Also, ensure your outdoor lights work so that paths and entrances are bright. Good lighting helps you see better and reduces the risk of slipping on ice or snow.
