When winter is upon us, there are many things that you can do to avoid storm damage from winter weather. You should be able to stay cozy and warm inside when the snow hits. We’ve put together some helpful tips so you can prepare your home for winter.
Check the Roof
The best place to start is on the roof. If you get heavy snow in your area, you want to be sure this won’t cause roof leaks. Check to be sure that all of the shingles are in place and there aren’t any problem areas where snow might build up. Snow building up too heavily in one spot might lead to water coming in.
It’s also a good idea to get in the attic and inspect the roof to look for any places that might need to be repaired before the snow hits. If you’re not sure what to look for, it’s a great time to call a roofing or restoration company to inspect as well.
Check Trees that Could Cause Storm Damage
Do you have any trees that hang over your roof or are very near your home? Before the cold weather hits, you’ll want to trim back these trees. Look for dead branches or any branches that might be problematic. Are there weak branches, broken branches, or branches that look like they won’t survive the winter?
Specifically look for branches that could fall onto your home or a branch that might not fall on the roof, but could cause damage to a window or the side of your home on the way down.
Storm Windows or Covers
One of the worst things that comes with winter is the cold. If your home is prepared for the cold, you can be cozy inside. When a winter storm hits, you want the cold to stay outside. One way to do this is to prepare your windows. Some people put in storm windows before winter. You can also add plastic on the inside to provide another layer of protection.
If you tend to feel a draft or a lot of air coming in from the windows, go ahead and add weather strips or some caulking to fill in and prevent the cold airflow. This will be much better for both your comfort and your heating bills.
Prevent Water Storm Damage with Pipe Preparation
Winter storm damage isn’t always wind- or snow-related. That freezing weather could cause issues with your pipes, too. The last thing you want is a frozen or burst pipe from the cold. If you’re expecting temperatures below freezing, it’s a good idea to insulate your pipes or use some heat tape on them.
This little step might just prevent extensive damage from water. It’s definitely something to consider. Adding insulation in problem areas is a fairly simple process.
Storm Damage Restoration
If you find yourself facing damages of any kind from a winter storm, Redeeming Restoration can help get your home taken care of. We offer a variety of damage and restoration services and are happy to help when you need us!
