Soon, our autumnal world will transform into a winter wonderland. We have all been looking forward to the sweater weather because summer was just too hot this year.
For those who are looking forward to winter, wait no further. Winter is coming, and it’s not going to be a light jacket affair.
According to weather analysts, winter season temperature will reach subzero levels to a chilling negative 30 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 34.4 degrees Celsius).
Above-average snowfall is expected to bury the Northeast. You might want to invest in a new snow shovel or a good snow removal machine. If you’re into skiing, this is going to be the perfect season for you.
While you look forward to the coming frosty season, you may want to consider doing a quick inspection to see if your house ready to brace the cold weather.
Preparing your rural home for the winter as early as now will save you from a headache of repairs before the first snow falls. Here are a few winter weather tips to prepare your abode.
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Get your heating system ready and running.
Have a technician inspect your home’s heating system as early as now. Make sure to have it cleaned. If it needs some repair, act on it quickly. Having your heat pump or furnace inspected will also be beneficial to your family’s health. Any carbon-monoxide leakage may cause serious health issues.
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Clean out the Gutters.
Clogged gutters can be the cause for major damages. Routinely cleaning your gutter will help you find leaks or rust buildup. Having it repaired right away will save you from the horrors of molds and rotting wood.
You must also drain out all outside hoses and shut off outside water valves. Water in these pipes can condense and freeze. You don’t want to know what will happen next.
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Insulate, insulate, insulate.
A house isn’t enough to keep the cold out. You need to insulate the walls and the attic. Your hot water heater and water pipes in the basement must also be wrapped with insulation blankets or sleeves to prevent the water from freezing.
Of course, get your warm blanket and wool socks ready. You need to keep yourself cozy and warm, too.
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Have the roof inspected.
There will be a lot of snow this year. Snow on the roof can be too heavy for the entire structure.
Have a professional inspector check your roof if it can sustain the weight of a heavy snowfall and if reinforcement is necessary. They will also inspect for any damages so you can have it fixed right away. You may also want to have water-repellent membrane installed under the roof covering.
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Have foundation cracks, and rotten wood repaired or replaced.
If you’ve learned to live with the cracks on the walls or patches of rotten wood on the ceiling, it’s time you had them fixed. Cold weather can be a culprit to creating bigger damages. You must act now while damages are repairable.
Connect with a lender, click here.How Can USDA LOANS help?
The USDA has a special program for eligible homeowners who want to repair their homes. The Section 504 Home Repair program provides very-low income homeowners access to funds to improve, repair, or modernize their houses.
The same program provides grants to seniors belonging to the very-low-income bracket. The fund must be used to remove health and safety hazards.
These home loans are available all throughout the year as long as there is still funding. applications are processed on a first come first serve basis.
How much financing can a borrower get? For those applying for the loan, up to $20,000 can be borrowed. For the grant, it can be up to $7,500 of assistance. Loans and grants can be combined for a total of up to $27,500 in funds.
If you are located in an eligible rural area, you may qualify for the home repair loan. Take advantage of this program. Learn more about its qualification and documentation requirements.
Preparing your rural home for winter essential to that you and your family remain warm and safe. If you are having some struggle financing these necessary improvements, the USDA Housing Repair Loans and Grants can help.
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