As the temperatures fall and the snow just around the corner getting your home ready for winter is a must. There are many things that you’ll want to take care of before the freezing temperatures and snow and ice get here in full force. For home owners in Downriver Michigan winter can bring many problems to your home. From frozen and broken pipes to water damage to the home because of a roof ice dam. Getting your home prepared can help to eliminate some of these threats and keep you safe and warm inside your home this winter. In this article we’ll go over some tips that you can do to get your home ready and if there is a problem what home improvement contractor in Downriver Michigan you should call for help. 

Prepare Your Downriver Michigan Home for Winter with These Tips

If you’ve ever experienced a problem such as a broken and frozen water pipe then you likely understand just how much of a problem it can be. Once the temperatures drop below freezing it can lead to many of these problems and since everything is frozen it means it’s that much more frustrating and costly. Most of these tips are for residential homes in Downriver Michigan but can also affect commercial properties as well. Much like a residential home, commercial properties must also be prepped for the chilly Winter months. They must be able to withstand storms and blizzards, depending on the given climate.

Naturally, the cost to repair a commercial property can be steep because they are normally large in square footage. The difference between these repairs and those done on residential properties is that businesses could also potentially be disrupted. Given this factor, if you are the building owner, you become impacted when your tenants are unable to provide you with rent. Any damage done to the building could also result in a decrease of property value. In order to take the best care of your property, keep these tips in mind:

Be Mindful, Even if Your Building is Vacant

Despite not having any tenants, you should be mindful of your thermostat settings. Without any heat being supplied, the pipes are at risk of freezing or breaking. It is recommended to keep the heating on a low setting to maintain a livable temperature. The cost to supply this heat through the Winter will cost less than any potential repairs that result from frozen pipes.

Perform Regular Inspections

Keeping an eye on things is the best thing that you can do as a property owner. If you notice any damage or distress to your roof shingles, call your local contractor for an inspection. The longer that you let these imperfections go untouched puts the building at a higher risk of leaks and even molding.

Get Rid of Drafts Right Away

Gaps between windows and doors can be damaging to your building. By letting this cold air flow in, your tenants will have to utilize the heating more, driving up the cost of utility bills. Simply re-sealing all gaps can end up saving you a lot of hassle in the long run.

Turn off Irrigation Systems

It is important to make sure that all sprinkler systems are ready for wintertime. Since you will not be using them for a few months, drain all of your systems and shut down your control box. This can be reactivated once Spring begins.

Clean Out Your Gutters Regularly

A bothersome task, keeping your gutters clean is directly related to the durability of your property. Leaves and debris can begin to collect, resulting in a blockage of draining during storms. If your gutters clog, water can pool on your roof and weaken the shingles. If you do not want to do this for yourself, you can hire a local contractor to safely clear all of the gutters.

Keep the Surroundings Clear

Most commercial properties come with parking lots. This is meant to be convenient for the patrons of the businesses, but you also must remember to perform regular inspections and maintenance on them. Keeping the parking lot clear and safe (even just by sprinkling defrosting salt on the ground) can help keep the property value up. This is also a good way to keep your patrons happy and their customers returning.

If you have a problem with your home or commercial property be sure to call the number one home improvement contractor in Downriver Michigan which is All Point Construction at 734-407-7110. They are fully licensed and insured and have crews ready to help!