WINTER Homeowner Tips

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

WINTER Homeowner Tips

It's winter which means its time to take extra precautions to protect your home from water damage! Follow these tips below to help keep your home safe this season. 

#1 Protecting Those Pipes- Water expands as it freezes. If water that is caught inside your pipe freezes, it will expand which can cause your pipes to burst and/or crack! Pipes can burst if the water pressure is built up inside, behind a block of ice. TIP: It is always a good idea to leave your faucets dripping in extremely cold weather.

#2 Check the Heat- Checking your furnace by turning on the heat and blower helps your heater operate like it should. TIP: By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan, the counter-clock-wise movement allows warm air to circulate down into your room.

#3 Preventing Ice Dams- These Dams form when heat escapes through the roof and melts snow that settles. Snowmelt then gets into the roof’s edges and freezes most often in the eaves. Ice Dams can later melt and improperly drain, leaking through a roof and causing water damage in your home. TIPS: Clean the clogged gutters and downspouts. Seal places that allow warm air to leak from your home. Make sure your soffit vents are clear to allow air to flow properly.

#4 Clean and Store your Lawn Equipment- Empty all of the fuel. If this is not done, it can damage fuel lines and other components. TIP: Clear out each machine from yard debris and any oil build up. Sharpen the blades. Store in a garage throughout the winter if possible.

#5 Inspect your Fireplace and Chimney- Clean out all soot and debris that could catch fire. TIP: Keep the flue closed when you are not using the fireplace. You should not be able to feel any cold air coming down the chimney.

#6 Seal Windows and Doors- Caulking around windows and doors can help on heating costs. TIP: Put weather stripping around your entryways.

# 7 Crawlspace Prevention- Crawlspace foundations generally have vents. TIP: Vents should be covered or closed near any bathroom sources to prevent excess moisture and/or water damage.