Winters in the Northeast can bring sudden, unpredictable weather. Freezing temperatures, blizzards, sleet, and freezing rain all have an impact on your home's exterior and for some, their interior. Whether you are a homeowner, commercial property owner, or property manager, you can take steps to avoid costly damage to your property. Below are a number of ways to prevent Winter storm damage.
Roof
Prevent damage to your roof and the inside of your home by removing snow off after each storm. This can be done by either raking or shoveling it off. It's best as an ongoing task because when the snow accumulates, excess weight puts pressure on the roof, causing damage, and for some, at risk for collapse. If you decide to clear your roof, please do not do it alone. Take safety precautions by being aware of ice, making sure someone is there to guide you up and down the ladder, and trying not to overexert yourself.
Icicles and Ice Dams
Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at your roof's edge. When this occurs, it usually means you have ventilation problems. When your roof is not properly ventilated, heat from the attic melts the snow on your roof. That water backs up behind the dam and can leak into your home. Ice Damming can be prevented by closing up attic bypasses. By stopping air leakage to mitigate ice dams, you'll save energy and reduce both your heating and your air conditioning bills.
You should also have a contractor look at your insulation. If you lack proper insulation, the heat from your home will melt the snow on your roof to create additional icicles. An easy check is to look at your roof and compare it with your neighbors. If their roofs are covered with snow and yours isn't, then you might have an insulation problem.
Water Pipes
Bursting water pipes are another concern when temperatures drop below freezing. Pipes don't burst because of ice expanding inside, instead, it has to do with the pressure inside the pipes themselves. Without proper insulation, indoor and outdoor pipes are most vulnerable to freezing temps.
Flooding
Not only can house flooding be scary and dangerous, but it can also put a big dent in your wallet. Rapid snow melt, broken pipes, poor drainage, clogged rain gutters are all common causes of home flooding. In most cases, flooding is preventable. Being proactive can save a great deal of stress and money, so be mindful and check for the above causes for flooding.
Other things you can do to prepare for the Winter:
- Stock up on batteries, blankets, sand/ice melt/kitty litter
- Create a winter home emergency kit with first-aid supplies
- Invest in a generator
- Inspect and/or clean your chimney before the first snowfall
- Have a battery-operated weather radio on hand
- Weatherstrip windows and doors
Make sure your fire extinguishers work - Winterize your vehicle
For a free quote or to assess your home's needs, contact us today!