How to Protect Your Home Against Winter Weather

When the temperature drops, you break out heavier clothing and blankets. But what do you do for your home when the weather gets cold? While most houses should be able to withstand basic meteorological conditions, colder weather still can cause damage to your home without taking some precautions. Here’s how you can protect your home against winter weather.

Roof

If you live in an area that gets snow, keep an eye out on how much is piling up on your roof. Not all snowfall is a hazard to your roof’s health, but a heavier-than-average snowfall or wet snow may cause your roof to weaken quickly. This is especially something to be concerned about if your roofline is flat or not very steep. If you feel there’s too much snow on your roof, you can call a professional roofing service to remove it. You can also use a broom handle to get rid of some of the snow along the edge of your roof. This will help prevent ice dams from forming on your gutter. Additionally, you should always schedule a yearly roof inspection to ensure everything is stable.

Inspect your gutters to ensure they aren’t loose or sagging, repairing where needed. Gutters that aren’t firmly attached to your home can have a higher likelihood of breaking if ice and snow collect on them.  Make sure to remove any debris from your gutter to promote proper water flow.

Pipes

Before you experience severe winter conditions, make sure the water systems inside and outside your home are protected from freezing temperatures. For the pipes inside, it’s important to keep them insulated. Attics and basements tend to be colder than the rest of the house, so it’s common for pipes to freeze in these areas. In addition to adding more insulation to these areas, you can wrap heating tape around your pipes to trap more warmth. Although it may seem strange, leaving kitchen and bathroom cabinets open overnight can help prevent freezing by allowing warm air to circulate around the pipes. For pipes outside your home, be sure to turn off your outdoor water supply to hoses or sprinkling systems, then drain any water remaining in them.

Outdoor Surfaces

Concrete and asphalt driveways or walkways can take a beating during the winter. Over time, your driveway will develop small cracks. When water freezes in those cracks, the gaps get larger and can cause unsightly and expensive damage. You may want to consider applying a sealant to the surface to prevent water penetration. Some sealants are best applied during warmer weather, so consult a professional on the best conditions for application. If you experience snow, remove it as soon as possible to maintain your driveway and safety. Try to avoid using rock salt on your driveway and sidewalks, as it tends to be more corrosive. Look for ice melt that is marked safe for your type of walkway or use sand to give the area more traction.

Nature can be just as destructive as it is beautiful. When winter arrives, an enchanted snowy scene can become unpleasant without warning. Taking a few simple steps to winterize your home can save you costly expenses and make your winter more enjoyable.

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