Preparing Your Home for Freezing Temperatures

2/17/2015 (Permalink)

How Ice Dams Form: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com

The past couple of years have brought on bitter cold winters and unexpected climate changes. This winter is holding true to form as we battle the current ice storm. These frigid temperatures can result in frozen/burst pipes & ice dams.

Bursting pipes alone can result in more than $5,000 in water damage, including the amount of damage that can be done from a flooded basement or flood damage in other parts of your home. 

Another important and dangerous winter issue is ice dams that collect on the roof. Ice dams are created from snow melting from a warm part of the roof back down to a cold spot where the water refreezes and forms a dam. The ice dams continue to build up over cold days leaving a pocket for water to sit and leak through the roof.

Here are some preparation tips to protect your home this winter: 

Make sure to insulate pipes. Pipe insulation can cost as little as $0.50 per liner foot according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).

Clean out gutters. By making sure there are no blockages in your gutters you can avoid ice dams, which cause water to back up and flow into the house.

Ensure there are no broken seals around windows and doors. 

Check the roof for leaks or cracks in seals. These cracks usually form around vent and chimneystacks. Snow, which is mostly likely to collect on the downwind side of the roof, can cause damage to shingles.