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Winter Storm Prep Checklist Central Michigan | 5 Best EPHI Tips

Winter Storm Preparation Checklist for Mt. Pleasant, MI and Isabella County Homes

Winter Storm Prep Checklist for Mt. Pleasant MI must account for Isabella County’s 50 inches of annual snowfall, lake-effect events off Lake Huron depositing 12 to 18 inches in a single storm, average first freeze October 7, and temperature extremes reaching -20F. Work through this checklist before December — most items take under an hour.

Roof

Schedule a free aerial roof inspection if your roof is over 15 years old — call Energy Plus at (989) 833-1000. We assess from satellite imagery without anyone climbing on your roof. Check attic insulation: Zone 5 requires R-38 minimum — inadequate insulation is the primary cause of ice dams on Isabella County homes. Know safe snow load limits: more than 18 inches of wet snow on flat or low-slope sections is a structural concern. Use a roof rake from the ground — never go on a snow-covered or icy roof in Central Michigan.

Gutters

Clean gutters in late October after full leaf fall in Isabella County. Flush every downspout. Confirm outlets direct water at least 6 feet from your Mt. Pleasant foundation. EP GuardSeries micro-mesh guards eliminate the annual cleaning requirement.

Insulation and Heating

Check attic depth: Zone 5 minimum R-38 approximately 10 inches of cellulose. Below that, call (989) 833-1000 before winter. Insulate vulnerable pipes in unheated crawl spaces with foam pipe insulation at 1 to 3 dollars per linear foot. Service furnace in September — HVAC contractors are fully booked in Isabella County November through January.

Windows and Doors

Look for daylight at closed exterior door perimeters — any gap means cold air infiltration. Replace weatherstripping before the freeze at 10 to 30 dollars per door. Hold hand near window frames for air movement — caulk-fixable. Fogged glass or cold radiation means EP VueSeries replacement is needed.

Emergency Supplies

NOAA weather radio, flashlights and batteries, 72-hour non-perishable food and water per person, medications, warm blankets. Know your water main shutoff location. Minimum thermostat setting if traveling: 55F to prevent pipe freezing in your Mt. Pleasant home.

Call Energy Plus Home Improvements

Have a mystery leak? Energy Plus Home Improvements specializes in precision flashing work to ensure your roof is watertight in every corner.
Energy Plus Home Improvements
Phone: (833) 438-3744
Website: getephi.com
CTA: Schedule a roof inspection!
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