Here we\u2019ll highlight some of the most effective moves a homeowner can make when it comes to preparing your house for winter<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n For the most part, location dictates the likely, and most able to prepare for, weather events you\u2019ll encounter. It\u2019s always going to snow buckets in Toronto, and Buffalo is always going to see at least a few subzero temps in January. You know the drill.<\/p>\n But then, there are the outlier events. As disasters migrate away from their historically typical paths, you may have a harder time knowing how best to prepare your house for winter<\/strong>. Events like Texas\u2019 2021 deep freeze, the \u201catmospheric river\u201d that dumped more than double the average max daily rainfall on southern BC, and Tennessee witnessing the most snow it has seen in five years in the space of a day, are the types of events that can be the most unexpected and most costly to our clients. But with a little bit of forethought, you can avoid being caught off-guard by events to which you are unaccustomed.<\/p>\n Knowledge is power. This checklist of highlights some of the more important questions to ask when starting to inspect your property.<\/p>\n This type of checklist may seem simplistic, but being aware of the common pitfalls to which your property is predisposed will give a much more focused approach to your semi-annual self-inspections.<\/p>\n When it comes to fortifying the exterior of your home \u2013 or what in our business is called the \u2018building envelope\u2019 – there is no substitute for semi-annual inspections. A perimeter walk is a great place to start. As you walk, take notice of all components of the building envelope. Examine anything that is keeping air and water out of the structure: roofing, siding, shingles, brick, windows, and doors. Look for changes to the ground adjacent to the home \u2013 do you notice any new massing or erosion? Get picky. Do gutters need clearing? Can you find any deteriorating caulking? Any significant wear and tear on doors and windows?<\/p>\n Next, move to the interior of your home and work your way from top to bottom. The attic is a common place for issues stemming from Winter weather to collect. Check for any holes \u2013 however small \u2013 in the ceiling and junctions. Take note of any exposed insulation, drafty windows, and any signs of trapped moisture from poor ventilation.<\/p>\n In your living spaces, seek out spots you might normally miss. Think beyond eye level! Look closely at ceilings, where the wall meets the ceiling, and where the wall and floor join. Poke around window jambs. Are you noticing anything new? Drafty windows, subtle water stains on ceilings, condensation buildup on the insides of windows or walls\u2026 any of these can be early warning signs of more serious or persistent water damage<\/a>. Left unchecked, this damage could lead to mold, structural compromise, and costly repairs. The earlier you spot the warning signs of an issue, the better.<\/p>\n How frequently should these self-inspections be done? We like to use the changing of the clocks as our reminder. Every time we \u2018fall back\u2019 or \u2018spring ahead\u2019, we know it\u2019s time to give things a solid once-over. As the homeowner, you are the closest to your property. You know its quirks and its common pain points, and you\u2019re your own greatest asset when it comes to property defense.<\/p>\n Frozen or Burst Pipes<\/strong><\/p>\n Freezing pipes are the biggest contributor to water damage in the home during winter months. Most often seen in vacant properties (think vacation homes, houses for sale, or primary residences whose occupants are away) and basements, water supply pipes burst when the standing water inside of them freezes, expands, and must force its way out. Any system that has water running through it can freeze \u2013 it\u2019s not uncommon for us to see cracked toilet tanks due to frozen tank water!<\/p>\n Should you return to a property and find yourself without running water, assume your pipes have frozen. Visually inspect any exposed pipes for damage, paying special attention to the joints and elbows. And especially keep an eye out for signs of water damage after<\/em> they thaw. When the water starts flowing again is when most leaks appear. At the first sign of damage, contact your disaster mitigation and restoration<\/a> company immediately.<\/p>\n In some regions, we find that even more common than water supply damage is the issue of drain backups. Drain backups occur most often in areas that experience freeze-thaw cycles. If the phrase \u201cDon\u2019t like the weather? Just wait fifteen minutes!\u201d is something you find yourself saying every spring and fall, this one\u2019s for you. Twenty-two degrees one day, sixty-eight the next, then a plunge back down to the teens for the next week? Keep an eye on those drains. When snow and ice form and then melt quickly, outflow can become impeded (by debris or sheer volume of meltwater) and back up through drains, sinks and toilets \u2013 making this outdoors problem your indoors headache.<\/p>\n Tips on How to Prevent Frozen Pipes<\/strong><\/p>\n If you plan to be away from your home for any period of time during the winter months, take action. When it comes to preventing frozen pipes<\/strong><\/a>, you\u2019ve got options. If you\u2019re more comfortable with technological solutions, a wide variety of cameras and sensors are available to help keep an eye on things remotely. Perhaps you might consider a programmable thermostat, or a cloud-based model that allows for remote control and can monitor for temperature drops. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for any discounts that may be available with the use of any of these added security measures.<\/p>\n If these solutions feel impractical given your situation, there\u2019s always the traditional route: get a house sitter. Just someone to check on things every so often. Nothing beats having a pair of trusted eyes on your space.<\/p>\n Our specialists also recommend:<\/p>\n For drain backup prevention, be sure to quickly clear all catch basins and gutters (both at the street level, and on your property) of any leaves, debris, or other buildup. Don\u2019t be caught off guard by a winter that barges right into your lovely autumn. You may also consider investing in drain sensors for early detection. Or, better yet, install a backflow preventer in your sewer system, allowing water to flow out, but not back in. For residential properties, these aren\u2019t incredibly expensive upgrades. And be sure to check with your insurance provider for available discounts!<\/p>\nIt Starts with Winter Weather Awareness<\/h3>\n
Know Your Property<\/h3>\n
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Disaster Preparation: The Single Most Valuable Tool<\/h3>\n
Three Major Contributors to Winter Weather Property Damage<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWater Damage<\/h3>\n
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