Preparation Tips for Winter Storm Season

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Be ready for Winter Storms by Following our Tips.

Caring for your home in Clearfield, UT, is a year-round job. You probably have an ongoing list of tasks to keep up with regular maintenance as well as specific projects and upgrades you want to make. As winter storm season approaches, there are a few things you need to add to your checklist to make sure your house is ready to brace itself against the changes in the weather.

Be ready for Winter Storms

Roof Damage Prevention

Your roof is one of the main protections your home has against the elements. It is a fundamental part of the building envelope that keeps your interiors dry. While it's important to keep the roof in good shape throughout the year, it's especially vital to ensure there are no weak spots or unnecessary pressure on it during the winter.

There are several ways to prevent roof damage during the winter:

• Clean debris out of gutters and downspouts
• Have the roof inspected for loose shingles or joints
• Test for air leaks that can lead to ice buildup
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to minimize the threat of damage during a storm

Pipe Protection

One of the most common causes of water loss in residential properties, particularly during a winter storm, is a pipe break. If your plumbing isn't properly insulated, the pipes can freeze and burst. Any water that is in them then gushes into the surrounding space.

To prevent this from happening, water damage mitigation experts recommend that you insulate your pipes and maintain a constant warm temperature in your home. It's also a good idea to keep cabinets open during a hard freeze so that warm air can flow more freely to the pipes inside them.

Energy Conservation

Higher utility costs are often a challenge for homeowners during colder months. At first glance, the spike may seem normal, as the heating system must work harder to combat the freezing temperatures of the latest blizzard and keep your home's interior warm. The change in weather may not be the only thing driving up the electric and gas bills, though.

Warm air escapes to the outside by any means necessary. Check the seals around your windows and doors to ensure that there are no leaks. The more you can keep the warmer air inside where it belongs, the lower your utility costs are likely to be.

Emergency Preparation

Finally, you need to plan for dire emergencies. No matter how well you maintain your home, a blackout may occur at some point during the winter. A backup generator can keep your lights on and the heater running, and a sump pump in the basement can get rid of standing water if a pipe break or groundwater incident occurs. Always keep shelf-stable food, first aid kits, batteries, flashlights, bottled water and sanitation supplies stocked and easy to access.

Your home maintenance checklist is something you need to pay attention to all year. If a winter storm is on its way, though, there are a few extra tasks you may need to add to it. Staying weather aware and prepared protects your home and everyone in it.