As the Front Range braces for winter weather, it’s time to transform your home into a cozy sanctuary against the chilly onslaught! In this essential guide, we’re diving deep into the best ways to winterize your home – both inside and out. Packed with expert tips and savvy solutions, we’ll show you how to seal, insulate, and prepare your home for those frosty Colorado nights. Whether it’s battening down the hatches with storm windows or wrapping your pipes to ward off the freeze, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to tackle blizzards, bomb cyclones, and everything in between, ensuring your home remains a warm haven amidst the winter wonders of Boulder.
Indoor Winterization
Winter in Boulder can be a wonderland, but only if your home’s ready for the chill. Here’s how to make your space snug as a bug:
- Keep space heaters away from flammables and never leave them unattended.
- Ensure proper ventilation and functioning carbon monoxide detectors, especially with fireplaces or kerosene heaters.
- Locate and know how to use your home’s water shut-off valve.
- Have a family emergency plan in place, including a well-stocked disaster kit.
- Keep the thermostat a few degrees warmer, around 68-72 degrees, for cozy warmth.
- A slow trickle from faucets on exterior walls (3-5 drips per minute) can help prevent frozen pipes.1
- Ensure any downstream drain pipes are properly insulated, as these can also freeze.
- Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach uninsulated pipes, especially near exterior walls.
- Leaks often appear after the freeze as temps rise closer to/above freezing.
- Never thaw frozen pipes with an open flame; shut off the water and call a professional plumber.
- Draft-proof your home by sealing windows and doors with caulking and weatherstripping.
- Insulate your attic and walls to keep the warmth in and energy costs down.
Exterior Prep
Your home’s exterior is the first line of defense against winter weather.
- Insulate all exposed water pipes outside and in areas like the garage, attic, and basement.
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor spigots to prevent pipe freezing.
- Regularly check for leaks after freeze-thaw cycles.
- Inspect and repair your roof; loose shingles can lead to bigger problems in a storm.
- Trim trees and shrubs to avoid damage from broken branches during storms.
- Secure outdoor furniture and items.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear to avoid water damage and structural issues.
- Consider installing a generator for backup power during outages.
Be Storm-Savvy – Resources and Severity
Knowing is half the battle when it comes to winter storms. Stay informed and prepared:
- Keep tabs on the National Weather Service for real-time updates.
- American Red Cross and FEMA are your go-to for emergency preparedness tips.
- Ready.gov has the lowdown on how to get your home winter-ready.
- And remember, when the weather outside is frightful, Melton is delightful (well, helpful at least) with our Home Care & Repair services.
Winter storms can be a spectacle of nature’s power, from blizzards to bomb cyclones and flash freezes. Stay ahead of the game and keep your home a warm, welcoming haven this winter season. And if you ever need a helping hand, we’re just a call away!
- While this is a commonly recommended practice, please be mindful that this can hinder city water pressure during emergency situations. ↩︎
