7 Things You Need to Do Now to Winterize Your Home

Like it or not, winter is upon us. And as a property owner, it's important to take steps to secure your home. Similarly, if you own rental properties, you'll need to set them up for winter if you expect a steady stream of tenants. Here are some key steps to take.

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Frozen pipes can be a homeowner's nightmare. To protect against freezing, insulate your pipes to prevent them from bursting and leaving you with water damage. And if you're not sure which pipes to focus on, call in a plumber.

When you neglect your gutters, leaves and debris can build up and cause clogs. At that point, rain and snow will have nowhere to go. The result? Ice dams could form, causing water to leak through your roof and into your home. While gutter cleaning is a relatively easy task, you may want to call in a professional to avoid having to perch atop a tall ladder.

Unsealed windows can let in winter drafts, forcing your heating system to work overtime and driving up your utility bills. A better bet is to seal your windows so cold air can't get in. You can purchase window insulation film at a hardware store and install it yourself.

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The last thing you want in the middle of winter is for your heating system to go kaput. Arrange for a maintenance and inspection appointment so a professional can assess your system and fix issues that could cause it to fail.

Water sitting in your sprinkler system could freeze during the winter, causing lines to burst. Before the cold really sets in, have your sprinkler system blown out to prevent that from happening. You can do this yourself, but you may want to call in a professional to ensure that the job is done accurately and thoroughly.

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During the cold weather months, heat can escape through your attic. To prevent that, invest in attic insulation. Doing so could lower your heating bills and make your home more comfortable.

ALSO READ: 5 Reasons Owning a Home Might Cost You More Than Expected

While windy conditions can occur at any time of the year, the combination of wind and snow could bring down tree branches, causing property damage. As part of your winterizing efforts, take some time to trim your trees. And if you have a dead tree on your property, you may want to consider removing it.

Whether you're a real estate investor or a regular homeowner, the last thing you want to deal with this winter is property damage or an uncomfortable living space. Take these steps to winterize your home -- and have less to worry about.

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