3 Types of Home Damage to Watch Out For This Winter
Winter is just around the corner, meaning winter storms and bone-chilling temperatures are on the way. Winter in Middle Tennessee is a stark contrast to the warm and humid summer. Frequent snowstorms, rainfall, and freezing temperatures mean the threat of home damage increases greatly during the months of December to March.
Farrer Construction has recognized some types of home damage we commonly see in during the cold grip of winter. Remember, if you ever experience any kind of home damage from winter storms or any other source, contact us right away to set up an assessment.
Frozen Pipes
Every homeowner knows that pipes can freeze in the winter, but not as many knows just how much damage they can cause. While a frozen pipe in itself is an inconvenience, the real issue occurs when a frozen pipe bursts open.
Frozen pipes explode because pressure builds up as water is not allowed to pass through them. Also, water expands as it freezes, placing even more stress on your pipes. If a frozen pipe is left that way for too long, it will eventually burst and need to be replaced.
It doesn’t matter where pipes are located in your home, they are all susceptible to freezing in the winter. Attics, basements, inside and outside pipes are liable to freeze if left unprotected in the winter.
Luckily, homeowners have plenty of options available when it comes to preventing this issue. Pipes should be insulated in the winter with any warm material. Make sure your home is warm as well, as indoor pipes will benefit from being surrounded by warm air. Also, when you know that the temperature will be below freezing overnight, allow all faucets to drip water slowly through the night; this will keep water moving through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.
Ice Dams
If you live in a particularly rainy environment, pooling water can freeze in extremely low temperatures. Ice dams occur when water freezes and forms a wall on the edge of the roof. A warm house will melt ice that has collected on a roof, allowing it to flow to the edge of the roof where it will refreeze. The walls of ice will prevent water from draining off your roof, producing a dangerous situation for your home.
Clogged gutters will collect water, ice, and debris and become too heavy for their fittings. Once a gutter has reached too high of a weight, it will give way and collapse. Make sure your gutters are always clean throughout the year, but especially in the winter. A collapsed gutter can cause damage to your home and also anyone standing around them when it falls. Protect your home and your family and practice proper gutter maintenance year-round.
Fallen Trees / Branches
Winter storms that produce ice and high winds can cause tree branches and even entire trees to give way and fall onto your home. Ice can form on branches causing a sharp increase in weight. Older trees are much more likely to give way to the higher weight as it will take less stress to cause the branch to break off.
Fallen branches and trees can cause catastrophic damage to your home. The best way to make sure a branch or tree doesn’t damage your home is to ensure there are no nearby branches or trees that hang over your home. Sometimes you will need to have a landscaping professional trim back a branch that presents a threat, which is a small price to pay when protecting your home.
Home Repair Murfreesboro
If you experience any type of home damage this winter, do not hesitate to contact Farrer Construction. We will work quickly to restore your home to its former glory after a disaster.