Blizzards and snowstorms might not seem as threatening to your home as hurricanes and other strong storms. However, these winter storms can cause severe damage, such as roof damage from a buildup of snow and ice or water damage from melting snow. Keep the following tips in mind to prepare your home for these types of storms and lower the risk of serious damage.
Insulate Your Pipes
During blizzards and snowstorms, pipes in your home could be at risk of freezing. If there is water inside these pipes, they can burst due to pressure and end up flooding your home. Insulate pipes that run along exterior walls to prevent this from occurring. You can use insulating sleeves to keep pipes warm enough during these storms.
Seal Areas Around Doors & Windows
Cold air and moisture from snowstorms and blizzards can get into your home through cracks or gaps around doors and windows. This can make your home colder and put it at risk of having water damage. Put weatherstripping around windows and doors throughout your home to keep cold air and moisture out.
Check Attic Insulation
Your attic should already have insulation, but make sure it has enough. When your attic isn’t properly insulated, snow melts unevenly or too quickly in certain areas on your roof. This can result in ice dams that allow water to seep under your roof eaves and get into your home interior. If this happens, your home can develop serious problems from water damage.
Inspect Your Roof
Weak or damaged parts of your roof can increase the risk of having it collapse from heavy snow or ice accumulation during blizzards and snowstorms. Have your roof inspected and repaired as needed to ensure that it’s in good condition.