Using Preventive Methods to Avoid Wintertime Repairs

Winter can be hard on your home, which means you need to be prepared to combat the harsh conditions. Find out which problems you could be faced with and how to prevent them from happening.

Frozen or Burst Pipes

When water expands, it freezes. This means your pipes can burst easily if the water in them decides to freeze.

For that reason, you want to take preventive measures before the damage is done:

• Drain water from all swimming pools, sprinkler system lines, and hoses.

• Insulate all hot and cold water pipes.

• Limit your water supply lines’ exposure to cold by keeping your garage closed and makings sure areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, cabinets underneath sinks are sealed off from the outside.

• Make sure to run water or let cold water drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes

By doing the above, you can avoid frozen or burst pipes.

Water Damage to Chimney

The open design of the chimney and the absorptive properties of its materials makes it susceptible to water damage and deterioration. Because it can be such a slow process, you may not notice the damage until it’s too late.

Luckily, you can easily combat this nuisance by treating it with a waterproofing agent. Make sure to do it as soon as possible. If you’re worried that it’s already begun deteriorating, be sure to get it inspected.

Ice Dam on Roof

The ice dam that forms on your roof may not seem like a big deal. However, once it melts and causes water damage, you’ll be left with a hefty repair to take care of.

Lower your chances of an ice dam by ensuring your home has the proper ventilation and insulation. The attic should have:

• 1 square foot of vent for every 150 feet of your attic’s floor area

• 10-14 inches of insulation

If you’re lacking in either of those areas, contact a roof expert to fix the problem.

Furnace Problems

Winter is the last time you want to have furnace issues. If your furnace is constantly turning on and off, your heater may not be getting adequate air flow and is turning off due to overheating.

By making sure that you replace your filter—or clean it out—regularly, your furnace won’t have to work as hard to keep you toasty warm.