If you're new to Payson, you may be surprised at the sudden shift in weather here. While we enjoy mild temperatures most of the year, it will dip down abruptly and sometimes severely in the winter months. If you come from the Midwest or northern Minnesota, then this isn't even considered cold to you so read no further.

But if you're from the Phoenix area, freezing nighttime temps may sneak up on you and you're home. It's important to safeguard your house against the winter elements, and we're here to help!

Pipe Down

Sometimes it's hard to believe our pipes are in jeopardy when the sunny winter days here continue to warm us up by noon, but the plumbing needs some attention to protect it from the freezing nights.

Pick up some piping insulation available at hardware stores like The Home Depot and Ace Hardware and wrap vulnerable pipes in your home, especially ones that are exposed outside your house.

Keep the Home Fires Burning

Okay, you don't really want to leave unattended fire, but you want to have some heat in your house if you go out of town for Christmas. If you plan on visiting loved ones for a few days, it's a good idea to set the thermostat to the mid 60s while you're away to prevent pipes freezing.

Get Your Mind in the Gutter

No, it's not what you think, but we do need to get down and dirty with cleaning. Gutters need to be cleared of leaves and other debris to keep them functioning properly. If gutters are plugged, it increases the chance of ice dams building up.

Ice dams are created when melting snow can't drain off the roof, causing large, potentially dangerous icicles to build up underneath the gutter. Ice dams can also cause water damage inside the house if melting ice and snow pools behind the ice dam and eventually seep in through cracks in the roof.

Filling in the Blanks

Before the snow arrives, it's a good idea to touch up the roof. Even if your roof isn't old, the Arizona sun is harsh on tiles and shingles, causing cracks to form. Some caulk goes a long way to preventing leaks and other damage.

There are a variety of caulking options. Dicor Lap Sealant is a fast and effective way to seal up stubborn cracks. Whatever you use, make sure you apply it to a dry surface on a sunny day to ensure proper drying.

All the Trimmings

Tree limbs can become hazardous if they hang over your roof or car. In the rare times Payson gets a blizzard, oak limbs often break off all around town, sometimes causing major damage to roofs or vehicles.

For safety and the health of your trees, trimming back some branches and limbs can save on unforeseen costs and make your yard a safer place.

Winter Ready

Prepping your home for the winter months not only provides a safer environment but can save money in the long run through preventative maintenance. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!