Winter Storm Damage Tips

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Pipe Break in a garage from a winter storm.

As the weather outside gets frightful and your home becomes cozy and delightful the holiday season's aglow the snow begins to blow. It is very important to be prepared for when winter weather strikes at your home, business or even traveling. Here are some great tips:

7 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

1. Protect Your Pipes:

• Drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to keep those pipes from freezing.
• Disconnect and store outdoor hoses; cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators.
• Protect water pipes that run through unheated areas of your home with insulation, such as the attic, basement, or garage.

2. Check the Heat:

• Change your furnace filter at the start of the season and then every two to four months. Filters get dirty much more quickly if your home is dusty or if you have furry or feathery pets. Clogged or dirty filters are less efficient, which means your home might not warm up properly.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat if you don't have one. Programming it to be cooler at night and when you're not at home will save you money, and you can program it to be warmer for when you return or get up on cold winter mornings.

3. Prevent Ice Dams

• Clogged gutters and downspouts are the No. 1 cause of ice dams. Clean them out to keep water flowing during the winter.
• Seal places that may allow warm air to leak from your home to your attic, such as around vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and light fixtures.
• Clean off soffit vents which are along the eaves of the house that allow air to flow into the attic.

4. Clean and Store Lawn Equipment:

• Clean the machine of oil and yard debris and sharpen the blades.
• Store them for winter in a basement, garage, or covered storage shed where they're safe from the weather.

5. Inspect the Fireplace and Chimney

• Make sure fireplace and chimney are clean and animal free. 
• Close flue when you are not using your fireplace to prevent cold air coming into home from chimney.
• Install glass glass fireplace doors or a chimney inflatable that blocks cold air from coming down the chimney and keeps in warm air. 

6. Seal Windows and Doors:

• Caulk around windows and install weather stripping around doors where there are gaps.
• Upgrading to double-pane windows and insulated doors to boost the energy efficiency of your home. 

7. Stock Up on Cold-weather Essentials:

• Make an emergency kit for when a severe storm hits.
• Fire extinguisher
• Alternative heat source
• Shovel or icemelt, salt or sand
• Family plan of action in case you aren’t together when a winter storm hits.

Stay warm, save money and prevent damage to your home from cold and snow with these simple steps.

SERVPRO of West Akron 330-867-5723 your 24/7 Emergency Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration Company!