Winter Storm Damage Tips

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure you're prepared when the winter weather hits Canton.

It is the time of year when the days get shorter and you never really can tell what time it is. Looking out the window you think, How is it already so late? then look at the clock and it really is only 5:30 pm. Along with the early sunsets and bitter cold also comes winter storms ready to wreak havoc on your home. Inform yourself of the potential dangers that can cause significant damage so you can take the proper precautions and save yourself a whole lot of money and stress in the long run. 

• Ice and Snow can Strain the Roof - Condensation and freezing temperatures can cause severe damage on your roof, including ice dams that lead to roof leaks, strong winds that loosen shingles, and icicles that put stress on your roof. To avoid any major blows to your roof, remove any icicles immediately and fix damaged shingles as soon as the wintry weather allows.

• Ice Dams can Bring Down the Gutters - Clear your gutters of the debris before cold weather arrives, then keep an eye on them in freezing temperatures to make sure they stay clear of dangerous amounts of ice. If ice dams do form, clear out your gutters by applying a de-icing agent or string a heated gutter cable

• The Cold Cracks Caulk - Fluctuations in winter temperature cause caulk to pull away from windows, which in turn creates drafts that let warm air out and cold air in. If you notice that your home is particularly drafty, check your windows and reapply caulk to any cracks to warm up your home and save on energy bills.

• Freezing Weather = Frozen Plumbing - On the coldest days and nights, your plumbing pipes may be at risk for freezing and bursting. To avoid this plumbing catastrophe when temperatures dip, insulate your exposed pipes with heat tape or foam pipe insulation and turn on your faucet to a slow drip to keep water flowing.

• Tree Branches Snap - Wintry conditions can put their life and limb at risk. When subjected to low temperatures and heavy condensation, tree limbs can break and fall on your roof, siding, or power lines. The best way to prevent winter damage to your trees is to prune them during the fall

Being aware of the potential damage and being proactive can be the best thing you do for your home this year. Winter can be a beautiful time of year, the snow on the trees, the relaxing calm you feel with that quiet snowfall muting the world around you, and the holidays full of family and loved ones. Don’t be fooled, the calm beauty can turn your home into a chaotic mess in a matter of minutes with a busted pipe or tree branch through the roof. Prevention is key, it can happen and it will if given the opportunity. Let SERVPRO of Canton help winterize your home and if damage does happen to occur despite your best efforts they are trained and certified in every aspect of home restoration to get your home back in shape with as little headache as possible.