Protect your family and home from the wrath of winter
Winter is just around the corner, which means it's time to start thinking about ways you can protect your home from winter's wrath.
Here in Ohio, homeowners need to take steps to prevent ice dams. Ice dams occur when ice accumulates at the lower edge of a sloped roof, usually at the gutter. Once an ice dam forms, the potential water damage can be serious. Listed below are a few tips to consider.
1. Keep the attic well ventilated.
2. Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
This two-step approach decreases the likelihood that ice dams will form or, at least, reduces their size. In addition to these steps, make sure to replace worn roof shingles or tiles, and clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.
Frozen water in pipes can cause water pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end of the pipe, which leads to pipes bursting at their weakest point. Pipes in crawl spaces, attics and outside walls are particularly vulnerable. To keep water in pipes from freezing, take the following steps:
•o Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves.
•o Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulk.
•o Keep slow trickles of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space.
•o Be aware of where your water main shut off valve is, in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
•o Make sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
•o Install both detector types near your furnace and/or water heater.
•o Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
•o Buy extra batteries and change them every year, perhaps when daylight savings ends.
•o Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.
Lastly, don't forget the chimney. A chimney should be inspected before use each year. Ask for a Level 1 inspection during which a certified chimney sweep examines the readily accessible portions of your chimney.
A little planning and preparation can prevent unnecessary and expensive home damage, but more importantly, help keep your family and loved ones safe this winter.
PuroClean Professional Services
866-944-7876
www.PuroCleanProServices.com
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