Don't let winter weather wreak havoc on your home

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

Winter weather can cause unforeseen damage to your Leavenworth property. Snow, Ice and other issues can be a huge problem this time of year. Here are a few tips to avoid property damage this winter.

Protect your Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause major issues. When water freezes it expands. When frozen in a pipe it can cause the pipe to burst, water escapes and serious property damage can be had.

Make sure all pipes that are outside your home, near exterior walls or in unheated spaces are insulated.

Be sure to keep the heat on so pipes in other areas of your home don’t freeze. In extreme conditions open cabinet doors to let warm air under the kitchen or bathroom sinks.

Keep Gutters Clean

Make sure there is no debris in your gutters and they are attached securely to your home. Snow and Ice can build up in your gutter making them heavy and if not properly attached can cause damage by the weight pulling them down.

Ventilate your Attic

Making sure your attic is properly ventilated can prevent ice dams in the winter. An unvented attic can generate an excessive amount of heat. When the snow and ice melts it can refreeze along the edge of your roof causing ice dams to form. It can also lead to structural damage to exterior walls by getting into cracks and holes. When vented properly your roof can remain cooler through the winter and thereby avoiding potential ice dams from forming.

Trim Trees

Cutting back dead tree limbs before winter weather is best. The weight of snow and ice can cause them to break easily and can cause damage to your roof, windows, vehicles and even people below.