Weather Awarenes: Prepare Your Home

As we transition into the cooler months in the Rocky Mountains, it prompts preparation and a change in our routines. Frost often visits the Flathead Valley as early as the first week of September, and it is not uncommon to have sustained freezing temperatures at night in October at elevations of 3000’ and above. Some tricks and tips to make sure your home is ready for the changing seasons:
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1. Hoses and Spigots - Leaving your hose outside and attached to the hose spigot poses a risk of water damage if we get a snap freeze event. When temperatures are forecast to be near or below freezing at night, it is time to bring the hose reel into the house.

2. Door Seals - Weather sealing around door frames in the jamb is an item that is subject to some wear and damage from pets trying to persuade you they want to access the mudroom. Take a minute to inspect door seals and see if any need replacement.

3. Gutters and Drains - Rain, snow, and meltwater end up in the gutters and yard drains. If your gutters are clogged with pine needles, it can lead to issues with your roof's performance. A good time to clean gutters and check the yard drain is while it is still warm, before fall precipitation arrives.

4. Window Screens – Exterior-mounted window screens can take a beating in the wind and snow. While not necessarily required, it does extend their life if you remove and store them inside during the winter months.

5. Irrigation Systems – Schedule your landscape maintenance crew to blow out and winterize the yard irrigation system thoroughly. This will prevent pipe breakage.

6. Snow poles – For higher elevation homes, installation of snow poles along the edge of the driveway perimeter will help you and the snow removal crews know where to remove snow from. The fiberglass reflective poles available at the local hardware and home improvement stores are durable and functional.

7. Seasonal Home Users – It is always a good idea to shut off the main water supply before leaving for the season and make sure the furnace's function is in tip-top shape. Enjoy the fall and winter!