Preparing your Nashville home from water damage this winter

12/11/2014 (Permalink)

How ice dams are formed Source: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com

These past couple of years has brought on bitter cold winters and unexpected climate changes. Don’t let the next polar vortex ruin your holiday season. It’s better to play it safe than sorry and start preparing your home for what might come!

According to Chris Kissell from netquote.com, the low temperatures, ice and snow caused $81 million in winter weather-related damage in 2012. 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 .50 per linear foot according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS)
• Clean out gutters to make sure there is no blockage, so water has a way to escape - Ice dams can cause water to back up and flow into the house. 
• Ensure that there are no cracks or broken seals around windows and doors.
• Check the roof for leaks or cracks in seals, especially around vent and chimney stacks – snow is most likely to collect on the downwind side of the roof causing damage to shingles.