Winter is a season filled with fun activities. From ice skating to building a snowman, the bitterly cold weather offers plenty to do for both young and old. However, during the festive season, it is still important to be mindful of potential problems that may occur.
Strong winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy rains can damage properties. Sadly, many homeowners neglect to take the proper precautions. As a result, they end up spending thousands of dollars repairing their home. Luckily, for those who have Home Insurance, these mishaps are often covered. However, here are some tips to help you reduce any potential damage:
Calling in a Professional Roofer
As they all say, “prevention is always better than a cure.” Having a professional roofer inspect your house before the winter season comes is the best way to protect your home. Since they’re professionals, they can accurately diagnose and give you a report on the state of your roof. Hiring them will allow you to “catch” any problems before they have the chance to transpire. This way, no accidents will occur.
If you’re aware of the state of your home beforehand, you can better prepare for the harsh weather that winter brings. However, if you don’t bother to check, it will be difficult to act accordingly. Here are some of the top 3 roofing problems that may happen during winter:
Snow Accumulation
If there’s too much snow piled on your home, chances are, your roof will collapse. This is because snow weighs heavily on roofs. Storing this weight might cause the foundation to weaken and eventually cave in.
Roof Leaks
The cold wind combined with heavy rainfall causes water to freeze once it lands on your roof. This results in your roof eroding. It also causes leaks, potentially ruining important appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, and even water heaters.
Lifting Facias
The facia is the area of your roof that covers gutters. During winter, water often freezes due to dropping temperatures, making it to expand. This pressure can cause your roof to lift, especially if the facia is weak. As a result, you might have to spend over $1,000 repairing or replacing damaged gutters.
Keep Track of Your Pipes
Another way to prepare your house for winter is by draining water from sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets. As you may know, water expands when it freezes. If the temperature drops to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, pipelines can burst. This leads to flooding within your home.
By draining water from your pipes, you prevent any costly emergency repairs and damages. Covering faucets with insulators can also help. Alternatively, you can install an automatic valve that turns faucets off when the temperature drops. This effectively prevents pipes from bursting.
Regularly Remove Snow From Roofs
After a winter storm, heavy snow piles on roofs, covering gutters and vents. Snow can also become packed down with additional snowfall. As a result, the roof may break, causing leaks or collapse completely.
If you do not remove snow from your roof regularly, it is likely to cause problems during winter. If you want to avoid paying costly repairs in the long run, be sure to clean up all areas of your house after every snowstorm. Take a shovel and remove snow from your roof and gutters. Sweep away the remaining snow, so water doesn’t freeze and cause problems within your home.
Winterize Your Interior
Making changes to your house, such as utilizing silicone foam and adding insulation to walls, can reduce your energy bills significantly. Not only that, but it will also protect your home from any water damage.
Since water can easily seep in through cracks and gaps, adding insulation to your home will reduce the risk of water damage. Silicone foam can also prevent pests from entering your property. This is particularly important as mice, ants, and other insects crawl into homes during winter to seek shelter.
Cut Tree Branches Near Your Home
During a heavy snowstorm, branches can break and fall on your roof. This can cause damages that will cost you thousands of dollars to repair. To avoid these kinds of expenses, cut back any overhanging branches near your home’s roof. You can also hire someone to remove these branches for you, so you don’t have to do any heavy lifting.
About Rodrian Insurance, Affiliate of Robertson Ryan Insurance
Rodrian Insurance, Affiliate of Robertson Ryan Insurance specializes in giving you insurance solutions that perfectly match your business and personal life. We provide insurance options that offer excellent coverage while remaining within your budget, based on a thorough understanding and assessment of your needs, circumstances, and financial capability. Find out more about how Rodrian Insurance, Affiliate of Robertson Ryan Insurance can fulfill your insurance needs. Call or text us at 262-781-4750.or email us at info@rodrian.com.
