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Preventing Property Damage Due to Winter Storms
Mike McCartin
- Remove as much snow and ice as possible from your roof by pulling it off from the ground, rather than shoveling it while standing on the roof. Your weight and the force of the shovel concrete cracks in the shingles in freezing temperatures, and you could easily fall on the slippery slope. That's why it's important to pull the snow from the roof while on the ground, staying a safe distance from the roof's edge and any falling snow or ice, which also can be dangerous. Hardware stores often carry extension handles or tools made specifically for such jobs.
- Wet and heavy snow can create enough pressure on some roof tops to actually crack the rafters or cause collapse. And if the ventilation or insulation in your attic is less than appropriate, there's potential for heat to escape through the roof, melt the bottom layer of snow and create an ice dam near the roof's edge. When that happens, the melting snow has no where to go except the shingles the shingles and into your home.
- Prevent unwanted leakage or drainage into the basement by clearing snow and ice from around basement windows.
- If a winter storm causes loss of power and your house begins cooling, it may be wise to shut off the main water valve, either directly at the pump if you have a well or at the main inlet valve, if you have city water. Then drain all pipes in the house by opening the faucet at the lowest possible outlet, possibly a basement sink.
- In order to prevent frozen pipes, many plumbers recommend leaving both hot and cold water on at a slow trickle, because flowing water freezes more slowly than water left standing.
- If your normal source of heat goes out, use extra caution with alternative heating methods. Kerosene heaters should only be used in well ventilated areas because of their ability to emit carbon monoxide, a potentially fatal gas. If you absolutely have to use a kerosene heater, ensure there is adequate ventilation. Keep things that can burn away from such heaters and never leave the equipment unattended.
- Before using a fireplace to warm your home, shine a flashlight into the chimney to make sure the flue is open and clear of potentially flammable objects, such as a bird's nest. Never use combustible or flammable liquids, such as charcoal starter or lighter fluid, to start a fire.
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