Winter can take a toll on a home, and you’ll want to do everything possible to prepare your house to handle the hardships of the season. By taking the right precautions, you may avoid some of the problems that are known to cause major damages to homes in the winter.
Protect Your Plumbing System
Temperatures that are below freezing could cause pipes to burst, and wrapping your pipes in special insulating material can help prevent this problem. Outdoor faucets should also have their valves shut off and their pipes drained to prevent cracking or other damages from freezing moisture. It’s also a good idea to disconnect your hoses and cover the hose bibs.
Have Your Heating System Inspected
You’ll want to keep the inside of your home as nice and cozy as possible so that you and your family will remain comfortable throughout the cold winter days. An inspector can check to make sure that your heater is in working condition so that it can last throughout the season. Having your heating system inspected can also let you know if your unit has problems that may increase the risks of home fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make Sure Gutters are Clean
Leaves that fell from trees during the autumn as well as other debris could clog your gutters, which will create problems with your gutters draining. Water may stay in your gutters if it isn’t able to drain because of clogs along your gutter line, and this may cause ice to form in freezing temperatures. The weight of the ice can detach your gutters from the side of your roof and result in necessary repairs.
Prevent Ice Dams from Forming
If your house has a sloped roof, ice build-ups known as ice dams might form on your roof. This problem is further exacerbated by snow that melts under a snowpack and refreezes along the roof’s eave. Ice dams can keep water from draining off the roof, and this can leave you with roof leaks and other extensive roof damage. Making sure that your attic is insulated properly and closing the attic bypasses will help reduce the chances of ice dams from forming.
You’ll have an easier time keeping your home intact if you follow these winter-wise tips. If your home happens to sustain damage because of a broken pipe or home fire during the winter season, Platinum Pro-Claim Restoration can offer you professional restoration services in Metro Vancouver, and you can learn more by visiting ppcr.ca.