Prepare for Winter Weather to Avoid Costly Damage

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Is Your Property Ready for Old Man Winter?

The mild weather we’ve been blessed with these past few months may have us lulled into an unrealistic sense of security, believing that a mild or even balmy winter lies ahead. However, it doesn’t take a major ice storm to do damage to your house -- normal winter weather with long durations of moisture and ice can cause problems, too. When the worst happens and you need immediate service to rescue your property and prevent further damage, rest assured that SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak is ready to respond.

We all hope to be spared from accidents caused by severe winter storms or the damage that can result from wet, icy weather conditions. Read on for suggestions to help you be prepared for that icy onslaught.

• Check regularly on weather reports and warnings for upcoming freezing weather and winter storms. Being informed ahead of severe weather gives you an advantage.
• Early in the season, have your heating system checked by a professional HVAC company. At the very least, change your filters. Don’t wait until a frigid day to find out that your heating system doesn’t work.
• To prevent damage to the outside of your home, paint, caulk, and seal wood structures. Replacing trim later, after moisture has caused rot, will be a lot more expensive than doing this preventative maintenance.
• Even your masonry and concrete surfaces can be damaged by freezing moisture. Inspect your patio and other concrete structures and apply a winter sealant to keep out the moisture that causes damage.
• Clean your rain gutters. The leaves falling in autumn, as well as other debris that falls from trees during summer can clog your gutters causing rain to back up and overflow. The overflow can cause moisture to build up under the shingles around the perimeter of your roof, causing wood rot. It also runs down the walls of your home, causing damage to your masonry and foundation.
• Make sure all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home are in good working order and have fresh batteries. Winter is the time most home fires occur due to home heaters, fireplace fires, and holiday decorations. This is a good time to take stock of your fire extinguishers and have annual maintenance done on them.
• Hire a reliable company to clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney before building that first cozy fire. Make sure you have brought in a fresh stock of firewood and store it at a safe distance from wood structures. Inspecting any old firewood for deterioration will give you the opportunity to spot signs of wood-damaging insects.
• Prepare pools, sprinkler systems, and outside water faucets for freezing weather. Using professional services for the pool and sprinkler system is well worth the cost. Draining and blowing out lines to prevent pipes bursting during a freeze is far less expensive than having to replace them in the spring. Also drain outside faucets, as they are completely exposed to nasty freezes and can cause major damage if a faucet line bursts and floods the inside of your home.
• Check any trees near your home. Branches that are too near the house can cause damage when they become ice-coated and brush against the siding and windows. Trees that are dead or dying can fall during snow and ice storms, causing major damage to your house or your neighbors. Dead trees should be removed.

Preparing in advance for winter’s worst can help to prevent damage to your property due to wear or accidents. But when a damaging event does occur despite your best efforts, be assured SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak is prepared to rush to your assistance. We can quickly remediate damage caused by water, fire, or smoke, and help to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak 972-937-1494