Winter Tips to Avoid a Water Damage Situation in Your Home

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Now is the time to build your home’s defense against the winter chill

Winter hasn’t officially started yet, but we have already had our first dusting of snow and a handful of days with frigid temperatures. If you haven’t already now is the time to build your home’s defense against the winter chill and to minimize the possibility for a water damage taking place. Below are some tips to help you get started:

• Is your home a bit drafty? Pinpoint areas which could use more or better-quality insulation to help keep your home warm and to reduce the risk of any pipes freezing.
• If you have travel plans this winter, ask a friend or family member to check in on your home to make sure everything is OK.
• Keep up with snow removal. For example, allowing snow to accumulate on your roof is a recipe for disaster as ice dams may form.
• If possible, it’s always a good idea to have a backup method of heating your home in the event of a power outage. Say for example, your primary heat source is oil, but you also have a wood or pellet stove. Having this backup heat source can help keep you and your home stay safe and warm while you wait for the power to come back.
• Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
• Cut back any tree branches that are likely to fall on your home during a storm.
• Disconnect your garden hose from the exterior faucet and to turn off the water going to that exterior faucet.
• Insulate water lines that go along exterior walls.
• During a cold snap, open kitchen and vanity cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.

From all of us here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties wishing you a safe and warm winter. If our services are ever needed please feel free to call us anytime at (800) 352-7251.