Winter: a wonderland or headache?

Winter blanketed the United States last week with one big cold hug. Or was it a slap?

Freezing temperatures were seen coast to coast. Snow was dumped in the Midwest, Central, and East coasts. Below freezing temperatures hit the Northwest and left children wondering where all the snow was.

Sure, the snow and ice make for a romantic scene the first day or so. But what about all that which comes with freezing temperatures: frozen and burst pipes, snow melt, flooding and water damage, and mold? Keep reading to find out how one can be ready for the curveballs Mother Nature throws.

Tips for Preventing Expensive Winter Disasters

• Don’t let pipes freeze.
  •  Keep pipes insulated and the areas they are in warm.
  • Leave cabinets where pipes are located open to help prevent the water from within the pipes from freezing. When water freezes, it expands, which causes the pipes to break and burst with water.
• Prevent ice dams from forming.
  •  Ice dams are those buggers that form at the edge of sloped roofs or gutters after the snow melts off the roof and refreezes in these locations.
  • Insulate the floors of the attic well and keep the area well ventilated. The cooler an attic is the less snow and ice on the roof will melt.
• Keep the snow out
  • Shovel snow away from the home. It is pretty funny when it snows so much it covers the door of the back porch. When the snow melts into the house and floods the laundry room, people stop laughing.
• Prevent mold by keeping everything dry. Moisture attracts mold, which can cause damage to property and health problems in humans and pets.
  • If a building floods or sustains any water damage, dry it ASAP. If the water damage is extensive, call in a restoration specialist to assist.
  • Dehumidify rooms that are damper, like basements and bathrooms. Make sure there is good air circulation in there as well.

Taking simple preventative measure can make winters more bearable.

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