Water damage can be devastating, and it is particularly common during winter months. In fact, insurance companies pay out more than $1 billion in home claims every year due to ice dams, roof leaks and other forms of water damage that occur during the winter months, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to protect your home from these potentially damaging issues. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Clean Your Gutters and Exterior Surfaces
Before heavy snowfall, clear away all leaves, twigs, and other debris from your roof and gutters. This can prevent a buildup of ice that may lead to water leaks and other problems. It is also a good idea to remove any snow from the foundation of your home, including outdoor stairwells and window wells, so that any moisture that inevitably seeps into these areas doesn’t cause mold or mildew growth inside the house.
You should have your roof and gutters for any damage, like leaks or a clogged drain, and be sure to fix it. If you notice any problems, contact a local company, Gutter Cleaning Springfield MO that specializes in these services.
Check Your Pipes
If you have a basement or similar space, it’s important to insulate pipes to keep them from freezing and to check that they are not blocked, says Anne Cope, chief engineer at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety in Richburg, South Carolina. This can help prevent leaks, especially if you live in a region that doesn’t typically see colder weather.
Winterize Your Vacant Home
If you plan to be away from your home over the winter for an extended period of time, it is important to take steps to ensure that your property will be safe and secure while you’re gone. This can include a number of different tasks, from insulating your water pipes to making certain that all electricity is shut off at the main.
While you’re at it, be sure to have a trusted person check on your home periodically, too. This can help to identify any potential hazards, from a broken pipe to a faulty heater or electrical system.
Set Your Thermostat to 55 Degrees or Higher
In addition to insulating your pipes, you can help to keep the interior of your home’s floor and wall cavities above freezing temperatures by keeping room doors open when possible. This can also help to circulate heat and warm the areas where pipes are located, so that they are not vulnerable to freeze-ups.
Consider Adding a Draft Guard
Finally, make sure that all cracks, holes or gaps around your doors and windows are sealed up. This can help to prevent drafts from coming in, saving you money on heating costs and energy bills.
It’s important to remember that winterizing your home is not a one-time task, but rather an ongoing process that you should be doing every fall. Doing so will allow you to stay more comfortable while you’re indoors, while saving you money on utility bills as the temperature drops.
