Good afternoon homeowners,
Winter will arrive later this week in north Texas! Get prepared for freezing temperatures, some potential freezing rain or snow, and lots of arctic air.
Your Association team will monitor the weather, and if the community's school district closes for the weather, the Association office will also be closed for the day. However, we will still be available via e-mail.
As the temperature keeps dropping, we wanted to share some helpful tips to prepare your home for overnight freezes later this week.
To prevent your pipes from freezing, please review the suggestions below:
Keep the Heat On
Make sure the heat is on and kept no lower than 60 degrees. Try to keep thermostat settings as consistent as possible during the day and the night, even if you're not home.
Allow the Faucet to Drip
Let the hot and cold faucet drip slightly. Allowing the faucet to be open like this relieves pressure in the system. Even if it's only a tiny trickle, running water carries more internal energy than standing water. The friction created by the moving water produces a small amount of heat, making it harder to freeze. This movement helps prevent ice blockages from forming in your plumbing.
Keep Interior Doors Open
Pipes are often located in cabinets. When the temperature drops, it is a good idea to leave cabinet doors open, which allows the heat from the rest of the house to keep the pipes warm. This is especially important if the plumbing is located on an outside wall. It would help if you also kept all interior doors open so that the heat can flow throughout the home.
Add Extra Insulation
Disconnect all exterior water hoses and wrap your faucet/pipes with insulation. You can also use a faucet cover, which you can purchase at your local hardware store. Look for other areas around the home where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Examples of this may include in the garage or under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both the hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
Preparing your trees for the winter weather is also important:
Water Trees Now
Water the root system of your trees now, while the temperature is about 40°F. Do not water the leaves or other foliage on the tree.
Cover Tree Trunks
Cover tree trunks with burlap or old blankets from the trunk upwards the night before freezing temperatures are forecast. This is especially important for non-indigenous or young trees.
Mulch
If you have time, adding a fresh layer of mulch will help retain moisture in the soil, ensuring your trees don't get too dry.
Leave Icy Branches Alone
Branches coated in ice can become quite brittle, making them susceptible to damage. Wait until the weather has passed to prune any damaged areas properly.
Remind Your Neighbors
Pass these reminders along to your neighbors and help protect the homes and trees in the community!
