This winter season has been very treacherous for residents all over the United States, and it is not yet over. Subzero temperatures, ice storms, and large accumulations of snow have impacted the whole country through the beginning of 2014. All of the above circumstances can take a large toll on a home or business. Snow can get packed into the gutters of your home causing an ice dam, or pipes may even burst due to the freezing temperatures and poor insulation. When the temperatures heighten, then drop again, it makes for even more damage to your property. This is because the snow or ice turns into water which can sit in the pipes or in your gutters, and then it will re-freeze. Before the temperatures begin to thaw out, here is a checklist of things you may want to check off to avoid further home maintenance!
Leaks: Right before spring hits is a good time to check for leaky faucets, sweaty pipes, or even clogged drains. The kitchen and bathroom sink should be checked to make sure that the connections from pipe to hose are sealed properly, and you should check around the dishwasher for any wetness as that could signal a potential problem. The same could be said for your laundry appliances; your washer and dryer. Check the hoses for cracks, or any dampness that may be present. Hot water heaters can also show signs of corrosion and leaks.
Pipes: You should always check your pipes before the temperatures are expected to increase. If your pipes are frozen, there is a chance that they may burst due to the internal pressure when the temperatures heat up. If your pipes are frozen, you can use a small electrical appliance to thoroughly distribute the heat throughout the pipe. NEVER use an appliance associated with direct flame such as a blowtorch, etc. One good way to check to see if your pipes are frozen is by turning on the faucets in your home. If little to no water is coming out and you have turned the faucet on all the way, than chances are you have frozen pipes in your home. If this is not taken care of properly, it can lead to small or large scale water damage in the home.
Roof: Checking your roof before the snow and ice thaws is your best bet if you are trying to avoid the need for any home maintenance. When snow continues to build up on your roof, it can lead to ice dams, as well as your roof collapsing if not taken care of properly and efficiently. If you feel like this is a job that you do not want to do on your own, you could also call a professional service to come to your location and do it for you.
Gutters: It is vital to check your gutters to make sure that ice dams and icicles are not forming on your property. Icicles can be quite dangerous, because they can get extremely large and run the risk of impaling someone if they fall. Checking your gutters before the spring hits is easy, and can be done with just a ladder. Check and make sure that you do not have any large amounts of compacted snow in your gutters, and that way you won’t have to deal with a large amount of run-off that your gutters can’t handle when the snow melts.
These are just a couple tips for you before the spring hits, if you feel as though you cannot do these tasks on your own, or want the help of professionals, call your local restoration company today!