Temperatures have officially started to drop and before we know it, we could see snow start to fall onto many Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Northern Virginia homeowner‘s rooftops.
While some Metro DC homeowners will be prepared for the change in weather, others were scrambling to de-ice sidewalks and driveways and protect pipes after the fact.
In previous blog posts, we’ve shared a few tips for preparing your Washington DC and Maryland homes for winter and now we’re happy to provide a few more suggestions to protect your property from the snow and cold.
The chilly winter conditions can wreak havoc on your DC Metro home and it’s important to take the following steps ahead of time to ensure nothing catches you by surprise:
Shut off outdoor faucets
Be sure to shut off inside valves for your outdoor faucets and unhook hoses. Any excess water left in the exterior faucets should be drained ahead of a snowfall in DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, NoVA or the surrounding communities. When the temperatures dip low, the pipes leading to these faucets are susceptible to damage, so you might also consider wrapping them in a towel for added insulation.
Protect indoor pipes
Cold air can also put your indoor pipes at risk of bursting. Open your cabinet doors under the sink to allow warm air from your home to circulate inside. If necessary, you can always turn up the heat inside your home to warm up the pipes.
Clean the gutters
Prior to a snowstorm, your gutters should be clear of any leaves as ice dams can form and flood your home.
Purchase salt and sand
Sprinkling salt or sand ahead of a snowfall can actually cut down on your shoveling time! A few hours before the snowfall, toss on walkways and driveways to be safe.
Check carbon monoxide detectors
Gas appliances and wood-burning fireplaces have the potential to produce carbon monoxide, so it is always wise to conduct a routine check of your detectors.
As your local Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Northern Virginia real estate experts, The Estridge Group is here to answer any questions you might have about buying or selling a home in the winter months—as well as year-round—so do not hesitate to contact us!
We look forward to hearing from you!
