Winter is quickly approaching, and if weather predictions are correct, it’s shaping up to be another rough one. This means more ice and snow this winter, which in turn can mean problems for homeowners.
Accumulating snow and ice can have devastating effects on home structures, and when they begin to melt, extensive water damage can occur. It is important for homeowners to take care of their homes throughout the winter months in order to avoid expensive repairs down the road.
Ways to Protect Your Home During Winter
What are some of the things you can do to protect your home during this cold, snowy winter?
- Clear Snow Away From the Foundation – While it may look pretty, snow around your home can mean trouble. When snow melts, it can result in big pools of water around your foundation and can leak into the basement. This can mean water damage and expensive home foundation repairs. To avoid this problem, homeowners should use exterior basement waterproofing techniques to keep melting snow at bay. Some exterior basement waterproofing methods include using basement window well covers to keep snow from collecting and melting in wells around the foundation, and shoveling snow that accumulates around the house to keep it from leaking into the basement.
- Beware of Snow Accumulation on the Roof – Sometimes the weight of snow is too much for gutters and roofing structures to hold, and this results in them breaking or cracking. Cracks in the roof can let water seep through to the ceiling and damage walls and other interior structures. Gutters are designed to distribute water away from a home’s foundation, but when they become damaged, they can let water sit around the foundation and lead to costly basement foundation repairs. To ensure your roof and gutters don’t cave under the pressure of snow this winter, consider hiring a snow removal service, and keep an eye on the amount of snow accumulating on your roof.
- Keep Pipes From Freezing – When temperatures drop below freezing it can cause interior pipes to freeze. Pipes expand when they freeze and can burst under too much pressure, causing water damage inside your home. There are a few things you can do to keep pipes from freezing this winter. First, you can wrap exposed pipes in an insulating material. This is particularly important in rooms that don’t receive any heat. Second, keep a small amount of water running through pipes when temperatures are below freezing, because water in motion is less likely to freeze. Finally, if you plan on leaving your home for an extended period of time this winter, leave the heat on just high enough to keep pipes warm.
The coming winter may be a cold one, but that doesn’t mean your house has to suffer the consequences. Remember to use exterior basement waterproofing techniques to keep snow away from your foundation, keep an eye on the snow accumulating on your roof and take precautionary steps to keep your pipes from freezing.
