Throughout the year, homeowners have a constant priority: their home. This can be easier in the spring, summer, and fall but when the winter comes, the snow and ice can cause havoc on your home.
Shingles can get water under them; snow can melt and cause ice jams in gutters and large icicles can form to damage the house. After a big winter storm, it is important to check your home for potential damage and to quickly recover from any of the condition’s winters can bring. Here are a few tips for ensuring your house remains strong throughout the winter.
Drains
In winter it is important to check any exposed pipework is insulated properly. This can help you minimize the likelihood of blocked and burst pipes.
One way in which you can pre-emptively protect your pipes and drains and stop you from requiring drain unblocking services is to avoid pouring fats and oils down your sink. Fats and oils cool and coat the inside of your pipes increasing the chance of a blockage. You should leave the fats and oils to cool and then dispose of them in the bin rather than down your drain.
The Roof
In very cold temperatures ice dams can form in your roof. When the heat from your home melts the ice and snow on the roof, it can cause dams that block the drains and weaken the roof. This could cause collapses.
One sure sign is icicles clustered around the sides of your roofline. Also, a sagging roof can show signs of winter damage to your home. The damage may not cause problems immediately, but if you live in an area with consistent winter storms then you may face trouble in the future.
Fireplaces
After a winter storm, you should have a trained heating technician inspect your heating system including your chimney and vents. You should make sure to clear all of the snow from any heat pumps you have in the home and from any vents that are around your heating system.
You should make sure to have seasonal check-ups before the storms hit so that you can make sure your systems are performing at their optimum levels.
Home appliances
After a storm has hit your home then you should take an inventory of your home appliances and equipment. You can check which items are working and which are not. Which items have suffered water and electrical damage?
This will help you organize your to-do list after the storm has finished. You don’t want to get into the spring and still find that items are damaged from the storm. It may not be the most essential, but it is definitely something to do as soon as possible.
Winter storms
Experiencing damage to your home and belongings is never ideal. Unfortunately, it cannot always be avoided and as such, all you can do is make sure your home is prepared for the worst-case scenario. Doing the correct checks after a storm can make sure none of the damage is too permanent.
