by Alejandro Restrepo, PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield
I by no means claim to be a meteorologist but after years in the property casualty and restoration industry, I can tell you what different weather events bring from a home and building perspective. We won’t talk about forecast accuracy because that’s anyone’s guess. The point is the National Weather Service is calling for weather in our area over the next few days. The mix and the order in which the weather arrives has the potential to create some property damage. We are supposed to be getting a winter rain storm. This will mean rain (often heavy), low temps which might create icey surfaces and very heavy winds. With that being said here are some tips for you to consider.
Clean the gutters and downspouts. Removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters prevents water from leaking onto your home, causing damage. Having clean gutters and downspouts also helps prevent ice dams during freezing temperatures. Also ensure that your gutters and downspouts aren’t worn or damaged. While you’re checking the downspouts, make sure they divert water at least three to four feet away from the foundation. Add extensions to downspouts otherwise.
Prevent ice dams. If you’ve previously had ice dams on your roof then your attic is not properly insulated and ventilated. Your attic, including the pipes, vents, light fixtures, and chimney systems must be insulated to prevent heat transfer to the attic. Warm air melts the snow on your roof, which causes ice dams that can weaken your roof and cause water damage. Besides providing insulation and sealing gaps, make sure your attic has enough ventilation to allow cold air into the attic.
Protect pipes from freezing. Burst frozen pipes are one of the most common water damage incidents during winter, but they can be prevented. Keep the thermostat to at least 55 degrees when you’re out of the house. Moreover, let faucets drip during severe cold weather to provide relief for your pipes. Also wrap both cold and warm water pipes with insulation and caulk up cracks or holes in your walls to keep cold air away from pipes.
Sump pump maintenance. If power outages occur with fallen tree limbs or flooded substations, you will want to make sure your sump pump is on a battery back up that is working! Also make sure that your sump pump pit is clean and not full of excess debris. If your sump does not work and we have a significant rain event water will back up into your basement.
Prune trees around the house. Long tree branches hanging near your house or above your roof can cause all kinds of damage to your home due to heavy snow and strong winds. Cut those loose branches to possibly save thousands of dollars in damages.
While following these tips can greatly help you prevent property damage during winter, a disaster can still occur. This is where we, PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield come in. We use the proper equipment and techniques to safely and correctly restore your property. We wish nothing more than you and your family having a great Holiday weekend, if you need some help do not hesitate to contact us at (475) 277-2400 we are ready to assist 24/7.