How to Protect your Home in Freezing Temperatures

When temperatures drop below freezing it's important to prepare to protect your home from the extreme weather. Low temperatures can present threats to your home, but with these proactive measures, you can stay safe and warm all season long.

Protect your Plumbing

The biggest concern during icy winter weather is pipes freezing and bursting. You can do a few things to help prevent this from happening.

• Let faucets drip: In each sink in your manufactured home, you should allow a small drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open cabinet doors: Cold air can get trapped in your cabinets that can lead to pipes under your sink to freeze. Cracking cabinet doors open allows warm air from your home's heating system to circulate and keep the pipes warm.
• Insulate water pipes: Affordable pipe insulation or heat tape can safeguard your plumbing from freezing. Focus on protecting pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and other unheated areas.
• Know your water shut-off valve:: In case a pipe bursts, it’s crucial to know where your water shut-off valve is located. In most manufactured homes, the valve can be found beneath the water heater. Familiarizing yourself with its location can help minimize water damage in an emergency.

Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which force melting snow and ice under your roof shingles, potentially causing leaks and mold. Before winter arrives, clean out your gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent costly damage.

Keep Your Home Temperature Above 68°F:

While heating costs may rise during the winter, maintaining a temperature of at least 68°F is crucial. This not only helps protect your pipes from freezing but also keeps you safe from hypothermia. For older adults and infants, even indoor temperatures between 60°F and 65°F can pose health risks.

Inspect nearby trees:

Ice and snow can cause extra weight leading to fallen limbs or trees. To protect your home, check to see if there are any trees or limbs at risk of falling on your home. Things to look for are hollows/cavities, cracks, leaning, and root damage. These are key indicators of a sick tree that could fall.

Heavy ice and snow can add significant weight to tree limbs, causing them to break and potentially damage your home. Inspect trees around your property and look for signs of risk, such as:

• Hollows or cavities in the trunk
• Cracks or splits
• Leaning trees
• Root damage

If you spot any issues, consider trimming or removing hazardous branches or trees before the winter storms hit.

Conclusion

Preparing your home for freezing temperatures can save you from costly repairs and keep you comfortable throughout the season. By protecting your plumbing, cleaning your gutters, maintaining safe indoor temperatures, and inspecting nearby trees, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of winter weather. Stay proactive, stay warm, and enjoy a safe winter season!