Protect Your Property from Winter Damage
Winter weather and snowstorms are inevitable in most parts of the United States. Even if you live in warm climates, snow may not be completely out of the question. Before you find yourself in the middle of winter, be sure to prepare for snowstorms and the damage that can come with them. Every year, winter storms bring extreme cold, icy roads, power outages, and property damage. Don’t wait until you’re in a sticky situation—take precautions early to avoid a headache later. DKI is here to answer all your questions about preparing for a snowstorm and cleaning up any damage afterward. Follow our guide to prepare for winter hazards.
Watch for These Kinds of Snow and Ice Damage
Below-zero temperatures and excess snowfall can cause all kinds of problems for you and your home or business. It’s crucial to know about some of the most common problems associated with winter weather so you can better prepare for them. Take steps to avoid these all-too-common issues:
- Frozen Pipes: Most of us are no stranger to the threat of frozen pipes. To better protect your pipes, make sure you’re always allowing heat to circulate throughout your home. It’s also a good idea to check on your insulation and make sure it’s effective at maintaining an appropriate indoor temperature. Should you find a frozen pipe, you can try to thaw it with a towel soaked in warm water, and consider calling a professional.
- Ice Dams: You should always be on the lookout for ice dams on your roof or in your gutters. If too much ice accumulates and then melts, it could cause costly water damage to the outside and inside of your home. Avoiding ice dams isn’t too strenuous, though. Simply use a long rake or rod to brush snow off your roof before it freezes. If ice dams are a constant problem for you in the winter, you’ll want to speak with a roofing expert about making changes to your roof.
Take Care of Your Gutters Before Winter Hits
Your gutters are essential to protecting your home from water damage. To ensure that melted snow and ice don’t result in water damage spots within your home, take some time to clean out your gutters and drain pipes. Clear away branches and leaves that might get stuck in your gutters or otherwise damage them. Not only can loose-hanging branches obstruct gutters, but they can also create a hazard if they fall onto your roof or vehicle.
How to Winterize Your Interior
As you prepare for winter, looking after sidewalks and removing hazards seem like no-brainers. But many people forget about the numerous things they can do to winterize the insides of their homes too. If the cold air has a habit of making its way into your home, it’s in your best interest to add some insulation to the walls. Not only can this keep your home more comfortable, but it can also reduce your energy bills in the long run. Other ways to winterize your interior include:
- Caulking holes in walls
- Servicing the HVAC system
- Installing an emergency generator
- Weather-stripping doors and windows
Keep Up with Maintenance Throughout the Winter
The work isn’t over once the first snowfall is on the ground. You’ll need to continue to maintain your property throughout the winter, especially if you own a business. After heavy snowfall, be sure to remove snow and ice from your walkways, as they can cause hazards for your family or customers. It’s also a good idea to treat your driveway or parking lot with rock salt to further reduce the chances of a slip. Unmaintained walkways outside of businesses can result in costly lawsuits, so make sure to stay one step ahead of the winter weather!
Is There a Winter Storm on the Way?
Once a winter storm warning is issued, it’s time to take a few final precautions to protect your family. First and foremost, stay inside. Unless you have an emergency, it isn’t worth it to brave the roads during a winter storm. Other ways to stay safe and sound during a winter storm include:
- Keeping your thermostat on
- Leaving the faucet on a slow drip to keep pipes from freezing
- Unplugging computers and other electrical equipment you won’t need to use
- Using flashlights, not candles
- Opening the refrigerator and freezer sparingly if the power goes out
- Putting on dry, warm, and waterproof clothing
- Dressing in layers
- Keeping a radio in your emergency kit for weather updates
We Can Restore Your Property After a Damaging Storm
Once you’ve come out on the other side of a damaging winter storm, you may need help cleaning up the destruction and restoring normalcy to your life. Of course, there are a few things you can do on your own – such as plug in a generator or shovel excess snow – but for everything else, DKI is here. We are experts in storm damage restoration, specializing in all kinds of natural disasters. No snowstorm is too big or damaging for our team. Our emergency damage response team will be onsite within two hours of your call to evaluate the damage and provide a cost estimate. We know how difficult it can be to repair your property after an intense storm, but we hope our exceptional services make your life a little easier. No matter the extent of the damage, ask us how we can help.
Learn More About What DKI Has to Offer
DKI is trusted nationwide for outstanding restoration services. While we’re most known for our work repairing water and fire damage, we’re also sought out for our expertise in infectious disease control, tree removal, and biohazard cleanup. Our multi-talented team can help you take care of nearly any problem caused by a natural disaster. We understand the mental trauma that often comes with experiencing a heavy winter storm, hurricane, or tornado, so our team members are always compassionate, reliable, and prompt. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.