Prepare Your Home for the Challenges of Winter Weather
Freezing temperatures and heavy winds can take a toll on your house, but a few risk mitigation steps can make all the difference in preventing damage.
By Lydia Dumyn | Illustration by Overdrive Design
Snow, ice and fluctuating temperatures can put your home’s integrity to the test. The exterior components that protect it from the weather need to withstand whatever winter brings.
“The roof, gutters and pipes are the areas of a home most vulnerable to damage from snow and ice,” explains Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations at CAA Club Group. A pre-season inspection and some proactive home maintenance are good places to start, and implementing some of these winter home safety tips throughout the season will reduce the chances of any issues.
Roof
A winter storm can have several damaging effects on a roof. High winds can loosen or damage shingles, leaving the roof vulnerable to water infiltration. Freeze-thaw cycles can worsen existing cracks and gaps, allowing more water to enter.
Ice dams are also a significant issue. “Ice buildup along roof edges can prevent meltwater from draining properly, leading to leaks and structural issues,” says Silverstein. When heat escaping from the house warms the roof, snow can melt and flow toward the colder eaves, where it refreezes and contributes to an ice dam. “As melting snow or rain runs down the roof, it hits this mass of ice and backs up, sometimes under the roof shingles and into the home. This can lead to water damage and the growth of mould and mildew, and it can threaten the structural integrity of the roof,” Silverstein explains.
Heavy snowfall, particularly over several storms, can put pressure on a roof. “Excessive snow and ice accumulation can add significant weight to a roof, potentially leading to structural strain and collapse,” he says.
Prevention
Making sure that your roof is in good repair ahead of the season is the first place to start. Have it inspected for damaged shingles and gaps before winter sets in, and arrange repairs as needed. “Keeping gutters clear and ensuring proper attic ventilation can reduce the risk of ice dams forming,” says Silverstein. If the roof is experiencing significant snow accumulation, a snow removal specialist can remove the excess. This can be dangerous and is best left to professionals. Snow-melting systems can be installed on roofs in advance of the season where heavy snow accumulation is common.
Eavestroughs and downspouts
Eavestroughs and downspouts direct rainwater and melting snow away from the roof and foundation. “Clogged eavestroughs can lead to ice formation and additional stress,” says Silverstein. Water should not run down the side of your home or drip onto the foundation. Over time, it can erode surrounding materials and seep into the home. If there are leaves or debris inside eavestroughs, they can fill with water and become frozen solid as sub-zero temperatures set in. Rainwater and melting snow won’t be able to travel through them and will spill over. When the ground is already wet during a rainstorm, spillover further saturates it too close to the foundation. Easy-flowing eavestroughs redirect water as far away from the house as possible.
Prevention
Inspect eavestroughs before the winter season. “Trim overhanging trees or vegetation. This reduces the buildup of branches, leaves and twigs on the roof and in gutters, helping to prevent drainage issues,” advises Silverstein.
Pipes
Pipes run inside walls, often along exterior walls, where they’re more exposed to the cold. Even when rooms are warm, poorly insulated walls or drafts can cause temperatures around these pipes to drop below freezing. “When water in a pipe freezes, it can cause a blockage and increase pressure, potentially leading to burst pipes and water damage,” says Silverstein.
Prevention
“Prepare your plumbing for cold temperatures by insulating exposed pipes; identifying cold drafts and sealing leaks; and disconnecting and draining outdoor water lines,” says Silverstein. There are also a few steps, especially in extreme cold weather, that can help when there is a significant potential for frozen pipes. Leave the taps open, and let a small amount of water trickle; flowing water is less likely to freeze. Keep your home warm, including unfinished basements, where pipes may be vulnerable. Leave doors open, including bathroom doors and any cabinet doors concealing pipes, to allow the warm air to circulate around them. Everyone should know where the main water shut-off valve is located. Turning off the water quickly can help limit damage from burst pipes.
Protect and prepare
If you’re planning to be away for a stretch, maintain a specific temperature in your home, and arrange regular property checks so any issues can be identified quickly, which can limit damage. Consider shutting off the main water valve and draining all the pipes if you’re away for an extended period. A few simple checks throughout your home can help you stay ahead of potential problems. Regular maintenance of your furnace/HVAC system can help prevent loss of heat when you need it most. Testing your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms ensures that they’re working properly and can alert you to danger. A quick check of the attic and crawlspace for moisture or condensation can also help you spot issues before they cause damage. These proactive steps can go a long way toward protecting your home.
Stay on top of routine maintenance, and address potential problems before they become bigger ones. If something looks beyond a minor fix, bring in a qualified professional to get the job done. Understanding how to keep your house safe starts with a few preventive steps before winter weather arrives. CAA
Click here to download a guide to understanding and preventing winter home damage. Discover how to spot the risk of ice dams, heavy snow accumulation and frozen pipes, and how to avoid these common winter issues.
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