Protecting your property from the harsh elements is crucial, and you should take key steps to prevent water intrusion, saving you thousands in repairs.
Snow and ice buildup on your roof and around your foundation pose serious risks as melting snow can seep into tiny cracks, expanding as it refreezes and creating larger openings for water to enter. Strong winds can also drive rain and snow into vulnerable areas of your house, especially when homes are not properly sealed.
Being prepared is key to minimizing potential damage so ensure your gutters are clear, your roof is in good condition, and you have proper insulation. You can also keep an emergency kit handy, containing items like sandbags, tarps, and a sump pump.
Let’s delve deeper into the the essential steps to protect your home from winter storms.
Preparing Your Home for Winter Weather
Getting your house ready for cold weather helps prevent water damage and many of the necessary steps are straightforward.
Insulation and Heat Retention
Check your home's insulation yearly, add more in the attic and walls if needed to retain heat and prevent ice dams on the roof. Seal gaps around windows and doors using caulk or weatherstripping to block cold air as this cuts heat loss and lowers your bills. Cover bare floors with rugs too to make rooms feel warmer and close curtains at night to trap heat.
Protecting Pipes from Freezing
Wrap pipes in unheated areas using foam pipe insulation in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls. This stops pipes from bursting, as does letting faucets drip when it's very cold. This is because moving water is less likely to freeze. Opening cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes under sinks is also a recommended.
Maintaining Gutters and Downspouts
Clean gutters and downspouts in fall to remove leaves and debris, allowing melting snow flow freely off your roof. Check that downspouts direct water away from your foundation, adding extensions if needed to stop water from seeping into your basement. You can also install gutter guards to keep debris out and avoid clogs.
Immediate Measures to Prevent Water Damage
Quick action is key to stopping water damage caused by winter storms and you'll need to tackle leaks, snow, and ice immediately to protect your home.
Emergency Response to Leaks and Flooding
If you spot a leak, turn off the main water valve and move your valuables to higher ground or dry areas. Use buckets to catch drips and mops to soak up standing water, set up fans to dry wet areas, and open windows if it's not too cold outside toprevent mold growth.
For bigger floods, a wet vacuum can help remove water fast. Call a plumber if you can't find or fix the leak source, and don’t hesitate as water can soak into walls and floors quickly.
Managing Snow Accumulation
Don't let snow pile up on your roof and use a rake to remove it as soon as possible. Heavy snow can damage your roof or cause it to cave in. Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of snow and ice too, allowing the melting snow to drain properly.
Shovel snow away from your home's foundation as when snow melts, it can seep into your basement or crawl space. Use rock salt on walkways and driveways to melt ice to stop water pooling near your home.
Handling Ice Dams and Icicles
Remove icicles using a long tool to knock them down from a safe distance as eventually they could fall and hurt someone or damage your property. It’s also important to check for ice dams on your roof's edge. These form when heat escapes from your attic, melting snow that refreezes at the eaves.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to improve your attic insulation as this keeps your roof cold and stops snow from melting unevenly. If you have ice dams, use calcium chloride ice melt in cloth tubes, laying them across the ice dam to melt channels for water to flow.
Safety and Emergency Measures
Winter storms can create dangerous situations and being prepared is key to protecting yourself and your home.
Preventing Power Outages and Fires
Trim trees near power lines to reduce the risk of branches falling and causing outages, install surge protectors for your electronics, and keep your heating system well-maintained to prevent fires.
Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlights are safer than candles during power outages. If you must use candles, keep them away from flammable items and never leave them unattended. Invest in a backup power source such as a generator but use it outdoors only, and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Emergency Supplies
Stock up on essential items before a storm hits and keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed about weather updates and evacuation orders.
To be fully prepared, pack an emergency kit containing the following:
- Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- First aid supplies
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Prescription medications
Store important documents in a waterproof container and have a plan for where you'll go if you need to leave your home due to flooding or high winds.
Aftermath and Damage Assessment
After a winter storm, check your property for damage and start repairs quickly to prevent further issues and gets your home back to normal quickly.
The first step is to look for signs of damage to your home's structure by:
- Checking the roof for missing shingles or sags
- Inspecting walls for cracks or warping
- Examine your foundation for new cracks or shifts
- Look at your gutters and downspouts to see if they’re clogged or damaged by ice
Inside, check ceilings and walls for water stains or bubbling paint as these can point to leaks. Also, test doors and windows to make sure they open and close properly.
Document all damage with photos for insurance claims and make a list of damaged items and their value. Contact your insurance company to start the claims process and keep any receipts for restoration make so the costs can be claimed back.
If you are concerned about your home’s condition ahead of the winter period, speak to us today to arrange a full assessment of your home to provide peace of mind.
