Winterizing your home is probably the last thing on your mind with South Carolina’s warm fall season. However, when that cold front does sneak in, it is important to make sure that your home is protected. As part of Gabriel Builders’ services, we offer maintenance on your handcrafted home. From changing air filters and light bulbs to full-time care for your secondary residence, we do it all!

Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is perhaps one of the most important parts of winterization. This allows water to flow freely and prevents icicles and ice dams from forming. If you do not take the proper steps to clear your gutters, there can be an immense amount of damage. Your siding, foundation, and ceilings can start to suffer. Whether you hop on a ladder yourself or have our team come and do it for you, this definitely prevents future problems and repairs.

Save Energy

One of the simplest ways to reduce energy cost is to insulate your hot water pipes. Using a programmable thermostat also helps cut down on cost. When you aren’t home or it’s nighttime, turn down the temperature about 10 degrees. Furthermore, switching ceiling fans to a clockwise position brings the warm ceiling temperature air down. This is one winterizing step that is often overlooked!

Plumbing

If you choose to have our team come and winterize your home this season, we take the proper precautions to make sure your outside plumbing is taken care of, including outdoor showers and kitchens.

We drain all of the outdoor plumbing on a house in order to minimize the chances of the water lines freezing. If we don’t, the lines could potentially burst when turned on. – Gus Rubio

Maintain Your Heating System

Taking care of your heating system is an important step in winterization. Having a mechanical contractor come and do a preventative maintenance check is important and also something that we can set up for you. Having filters changed, checking for carbon monoxide leaks, cleaning fans, inspecting gas piping, and lubricating bearings are all vital measures that need to be taken. In addition, it is also crucial to check drain pans for any debris or obstructions.

Sump Pump

In some cases, basements have a sump pump. If your home is one of those, it is crucial to check it before the rainy season really goes into high gear. A quick glance to make sure it is working properly is all you need to do. If you do detect a problem, then you will have time to get it repaired or replaced before the colder weather hits.

Inspect Gaps

If your home has any small gaps on its exterior, it is a good idea to make sure those are covered up to prevent any pests from coming inside for the winter season. For example, cover exterior vents and the bottoms of exterior doors.

Other winterizing tasks can include showing some love to the feathered friends in your neighborhood. Keep your feeders full with birdseed and maybe even put up a birdhouse or two. In addition, clean up the last of those fall leaves so that when the first snow hits, your yard is prepared to take it on.

For more information on our winterization and year-round maintenance services, visit our services page or give us a call at (864)-879-3035.