Texans are not used to big winter storms. That much was clear in February of 2021, when the state experienced a significant amount of turmoil due to the freezing cold weather. Not only was our grid not fit for that sudden shift, but our homes weren’t. Luckily, we have been able to take some knowledge with us. As we move closer to this coming February, follow the best advice from a remodeling company in Leander, TX into account so that your family can be as safe and comfortable as possible. Here are our top 11 tips for keeping your house safe during a winter storm.

Invest in a generator.

If you faced the February storm, do you remember your power being knocked out due to the grid failure? As frustrating as it is to be off the grid, losing all your refrigerated food would be even worse. With that in mind, during dangerous weather-related situations, a generator can be extremely helpful. A portable generator keeps your appliances running to eliminate food spoilage. Losing power for a long time isn't such a big concern and you have a better chance staying warm while waiting for the power company to get things fixed.

Store outdoor furniture.

Having a beautiful, comfortable outdoor living space is important to many Greater Austin area homeowners. Home builders and remodelers are asked to improve yards often. After all, given the typical climate, we enjoy getting to spend some time out in the sunshine with our families and friends. But when the bad weather comes in, it could spell trouble for that patio furniture that you love lounging in. If you have a shed or space in your garage, store away your furniture for the time being. Otherwise, you can consider covering it for protection against snow and hail.

Get your roof inspected.

Your roof can face serious damage due to harsh weather. Shingles end up damaged due to the storms bringing about hail, wind, downed tree limbs. In fact, you may still currently have problems with your shingles from the last winter storm. Remodeling companies in Leander, TX suggest getting regular roof inspections to detect such problems early on. If you don’t maintain your roof, it could result in more expensive repairs later on. You should also take care to clear snow and ice from your roof following a storm. Just keep in mind that it is not recommended that you use ice picks or other sharp tools to get rid of ice dams. You put your roof at risk for further damage this way.

Check for potential leaks and drafts.

Watch out for your energy bills. Every professional remodeling company in Leander, TX will tell you that your costs will skyrocket if your home has cracks that are preventing proper heating. These cracks can be found in your windows, doors, and walls. Consider installing weatherstripping to create a tight seal. Ensure that you know where your water shut-off valve is, too. This is the primary control that turns off the water supply to your plumbing so that you can prevent flooding. It is wise to shut off the water to keep your pipes from bursting during the winter. Note that you may need a specialized tool to turn it off.

Photo by Elijah Boisvert on Unsplash

Keep an eye on your detectors.

We keep our windows and doors shut tight during the winter so that we can keep out the cold air. However, this results in reduced fresh air flow. This means two very big potential problems. The first is that you are more susceptible to carbon monoxide and other dangerous gasses. The second issue is that, should something catch on fire due to the dry air caused by your heating system, it will escalate quicker. When executing a remodeling in Leander, TX, don’t forget to check out the current quality of your HVAC system, and test both your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Insulate exposed pipes.

By not actively preventing your pipes from freezing, they could burst due to exposure to the cold air. A major tip from remodeling companies in Leander, TX is to add insulation to your pipes. Considering the fact that burst pipes could easily cost $5,000 in damages, do not neglect to spend the 50 cents per linear foot of insulation. Use this insulation liberally to combat any vulnerabilities. This will save you from greater distress down the line. Later on, once you need to thaw your frozen pipes, be very careful. Apply heat to the pipes until you have restored full water pressure.

In homes that do not have built-in protection, pipes have a temperature alert threshold of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

One faucet needs to trickle.

Another great way to prevent pipes from freezing is by running water inside the house. Even at just a trickle, this is capable of protecting your outdoor faucets. Either hot or cold water will do the trick. The water is resistant to becoming frozen because it is in constant motion.

Boil water if you have gas.

Following a natural disaster or sudden emergency to a water main break, a boil water advisory may be issued. This means that your community’s water could have germs in it. So, your local health officials recommend that you only drink bottled water or boiled tap water. Boiling water is a good option if you are not able to stock up on bottled water because it kills any harmful bacteria. After boiling the water, prevent recontamination by storing it in a clean container, and do not reuse any water that has already been used for washing.

Photo by Alex Simpson on Unsplash

Inspect your chimney.

Sitting around the fire is a fun family experience during the winter season. But it does build up soot. Be aware that your home faces the potential of filling up with smoke on account of a chimney blockage during a winter storm. For this reason, if you use your fireplace, any remodeling company in Leander, TX will tell you that regular cleaning is essential. Schedule an inspection and cleaning before the weather makes a drastic shift. And know that if you have a gas fireplace, professionals can even make necessary repairs to your gas lines and vents at this time.

Trim your tree branches.

Tree maintenance is important at any time of year, and is something that you can integrate into your remodeling in Leander, TX. But it may be the case that you have let the trees on your property go and now you can see several potential trouble spots. These trouble spots include if your trees are leaning to one side or if any branches are noticeably rotting. Partner with a local arborist to take care of any large branches that could damage your home, should they be knocked down.

Get snow for your bathroom.

If the power goes out, you don’t get clean water, so you need to be prepared. A piece of winter storm advice you may have heard before is filling up bathtubs with water ahead of severe weather. You might be surprised to learn, though, that snow can actually provide a big assist when you no longer have running water. Give your toilets the ability to flush again by using the melted snow you collect from your yard. It is a simple but effective method.

You need to work with professionals to get your house in the best shape possible so that it can withstand any inclement weather. This may mean taking on home renovation or remodeling efforts. For those interested in remodeling in Leander, TX, Bat City Builders is the company for you. We serve homeowners across the Greater Austin area with a range of project sizes. Whether you are looking to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom, let us know what your needs are by sending us a message.