Protect Your Home From Harsh Winter Weather

In the winter months, there's little escaping the frigid temperatures and what the harsh conditions can do to your home. These three tips will keep your house safeguarded against the cold weather's common damage.

Guard Outdoor Faucets

Covering any outdoor faucets (think about the ones around your garden hose) will reduce the effect convection cooling can have on it. Faucet covers commonly found at home improvement stores are simply placed over the outdoor faucet and cinched tight with a cord or drawstring. 

Insulate Your Pipes

Since water expands as it freezes, it can often rupture the pipes that contain it. One of the easiest ways to protect your home's pipes is to insulate them. Foam insulation is easy to install -- it comes as a foam roll with an opening that you just secure around the pipe. It's a simple precaution to take, but it could save you big when unrelenting cold weather sweeps in.

Get Your Snow Gear Early

Don't wait for the first big snow storm of the season to stock up on some important gear like shovels and salt. Buy it early so that you don't chance stores running out. Keep your snow gear stored in a safe place where it's easy to access when you need it in a pinch.