As the weather outside gets colder and harsher, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your home from the winter weather. By taking some simple precautions, you can help ensure that your home is ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Here are seven ways to protect your home from the harsh winter, both inside and out.

When it comes to preparing your home for the winter, you can trust Empire State Builders to install any new windows, doors, roofs, and more! Get in touch with us through our contact form or give us a call today to get your free estimate and repair done in time for the cold!

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter is to inspect your roof and gutters. Look for any loose or damaged shingles and have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Clogged gutters can cause a whole host of problems, so be sure to remove any leaves or debris that may have accumulated over the fall. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional to do it for you. We offer expert gutter service and repair for clogged gutters and a variety of other issues, including repair and replacement.

2. Seal Any Cracks or Gaps

Another way to prepare your home for winter is to seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows. This will help keep warm air inside and cold air out, which can save you money on your energy bills. You can use caulk or weather stripping to seal up any small gaps, and you can use expanding spray foam for larger openings.

3. Inspect Your Roof

Hire our roof service experts to look for any loose or missing shingles, and make sure that your gutters are clean and free of debris. If we see any damage, we will have it repaired and replaced in a timely manner before the cold!

4. Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating your pipes is an important way to protect them from freezing during the winter months. You can buy pre-slit foam pipe insulation at most hardware stores, which is easy to install yourself. Just cut the insulation to length, slip it over the pipe, and secure it in place with foil tape. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional plumber to do it for you.

5. Invest in a Storm Door

If you don’t already have one, investing in a storm door is a great way to protect your home from winter weather. Storm doors help keep drafts out and heat in, which can save you money on your energy bills. They also provide an extra layer of protection against wind and rain damage. When choosing a storm door, be sure to select one that’s right for the climate in your area.

6. Keep Your Heat at a Consistent Level

Another way to prepare your home for winter is to keep your heat at a consistent level, even when you’re away from home. This helps prevent pipes from freezing and helps keep your home warm when you return from vacation or work trips. You can use a programmable thermostat to automatically keep your heat at a consistent level, or you can simply turn it down before you leave and turn it back up when you return. Either way, keeping your heat at a consistent level will help protect your home from winter weather damage.

7. Let Your Faucets Drip

When temperatures dip below freezing, water in exposed pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst. To prevent this from happening, let your faucets drip overnight during periods of cold weather—this allows water to flow through the pipes and helps prevent them from freezing solid. Just be sure not to let the water run too long or too hard—a slow drip is all that’s needed!

8. Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is

In case of a burst pipe (or any other plumbing emergency), knowing where your water shut-off valve is located will save you valuable time in getting the problem under control quickly—so be sure you know where it is before an emergency happens! Many valves are located in the basement near where the main water line enters the house; others are located outside near where the water meter is located (usually near the street). Once you know where yours is located, make sure everyone in your household knows as well so they’ll be able to shut off the water if an emergency does occur.

Trust The Professionals at Empire State Builders!

By taking some simple precautions—such as inspecting your roof and gutters; sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows; insulating your pipes; investing in a storm door; keeping your heat at a consistent level; letting your faucets drip overnight; knowing where your water shut-off valve is located—you can help protect your home from winter weather damage.

With quality brands and expert installation, Empire State Builders has what it takes to winter-proof your home. We offer fair rates without sacrificing quality!