Preparing for Winter
ice-storm Preparing for Winter

Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences on your home. The time to winterize is when the leaves begin to turn and not when the snow begins to fall. Following is a short checklist of items you should consider before the

  • Clear Gutters - Clear gutters of debris to prevent “ice damming”, which can cause leaks in the home and structural damage to the gutters.
  • Property Check - Anyone living in KY knows how much damage can be done by a simple trim limb weighted down with ice. Check your property for limbs hanging over the house. Contact the power company if lines are obstructed.
  • Check Insulation – Improper insulation not only costs you hundreds of dollars during the year, it can also allow heat to escape through the attic, melting snow on your roof. The water re-freezes causing more snow and ice to build up. This can potentially cause ice damage. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will help protect pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the house warm. The temperature in your house should be at least 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where pipes are located is substantially colder. A temperature lower than 65 degrees will not keep the pipes from freezing.
  • Fire Safety – have chimneys serviced once a year. The proper use and maintenance of furnaces, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can prevent fire and smoke damage. Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly and consider installing a carbon dioxide detector.
  • Maintain steps and handrails. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice. Make repairs now to prevent injuries.
  • Pipes & Water Leaks - Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence.
  • Outside Spigots - Make sure all hoses are disconnected from outside spigots.
  • Winter Vacation - If you have to leave your home on a trip, ask a neighbor to check the house regularly. If you plan to be away for an extended period of time, have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting.