Cold Weather Maintenance Tips

When winter approaches in Vernon, Connecticut, homeowners need to start thinking about preparing their homes for the cold weather ahead. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can all take a toll on your property if you’re not prepared. From winter roofing precautions to preventing frozen pipes, there are several key areas to focus on for winter maintenance. Follow these tips to protect your biggest investment – your home.

Winter Roofing Maintenance

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable areas of your home during winter. Heavy snow and ice buildup can cause serious damage and lead to expensive repairs if not properly maintained. Here are some winter roofing tips:

1. Clear Away Snow Buildup: After a heavy snowfall, it’s important to remove the excess snow from your roof. Too much-accumulated weight can lead to ice dams forming and potentially cause leaks or structural damage. Use a roof rake or brush to clear off the snow, being careful not to damage shingles or other roofing materials. Consider hiring a professional snow removal service if you have a multi-story home or inability to safely clear the roof yourself.
2. Prevent Ice Dams: Ice dams occur when heat from your home causes the snow on the roof to melt, with the water then re-freezing at the roof’s edges. This builds up ice that can force water back up under your shingles and into your home. Proper attic insulation and ventilation can prevent ice dams by keeping the roof surface cold. You can also use roof cables or invest in a roof de-icing system to help eliminate ice dam buildup.
3. Inspect for Damage: Have your winter roofing inspected annually by a professional roofer. They can identify any missing, cracked, or curled shingles as well as check flashings around chimneys and vents. It’s best to repair any roof damage before winter hits to prevent bigger problems from occurring. Replacing a few shingles is much cheaper than dealing with interior water damage from leaks.
4. Trim Overhanging Branches: Before winter, trim back any tree branches that are hanging too close or over your roof. The weight of snow and ice can cause branches to break off and puncture shingles or other roofing materials. Getting them trimmed reduces this hazard.
5. Check Attic Ventilation/Insulation: As mentioned with preventing ice dams, proper attic ventilation and insulation are crucial for winter roofing. Without it, heat buildup in the attic will warm the underside of the roof and accelerate snow melting. Have an energy audit done to ensure your attic is well-insulated and vented to allow a cold roof during winter. This simple step provides big benefits for your winter roofing.

Preparing the Rest of Your Home

While winter roofing is a major area of focus, you can’t neglect other areas when winterizing your home in Vernon. Here are some additional tips:

Exterior:

• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior faucets to prevent frozen pipes
• Caulk any cracks and seal air leaks around windows, doors, siding
• Insulate exterior pipes/faucets with insulating covers
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems
• Seal any cracks or entry points to prevent pests from seeking winter shelter indoors

Interior:

• Insulate exposed pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces
• Have the furnace/heating system inspected and serviced
• Install programmable thermostats to better control heating
• Replace HVAC air filters
• Check fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Remove window A/C units or cover the exterior portion
• Conduct an energy audit to identify areas of heat loss

By taking these preventative steps for winter roofing and overall home winterization, you’ll save money on heating costs and avoid costly repairs down the road. A little time preparing your home now helps ensure you, your family, and your property stay safe and protected through winter’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Additional Winter Home Tips

Snow Removal: Keeping snow cleared from walkways, stairs, and driveways is crucial for safety and accessibility. Use de-icing products like salt sparingly, as they can damage concrete and plant life when overused. Consider hiring a snow removal service if unable to shovel or use a snow blower yourself.

Prevent Frozen Pipes: Frozen water pipes are a nightmare for homeowners, as they can burst and cause serious water damage. Beyond insulating exposed pipes, keep cabinet doors open to allow warmth to circulate. Let faucets slowly drip during extreme cold snaps to prevent freezing. Know how to shut off water valves in case of an emergency.

Check Smoke/CO Detectors: With heating systems running at full capacity, it’s imperative to check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace batteries every six months and check detector functionality. Ensure all heating vents are free of obstructions as well.

Fireplace & Chimney Maintenance: Prior to lighting your first fire, have the chimney thoroughly inspected and swept to remove buildup of creosote, small animal nests, or other blockages. Use seasoned wood and schedule chimney cleanings as needed during winter months of frequent fireplace use.

Winter Emergency Kit

 Assemble an emergency supply kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, first aid supplies, and a battery-powered radio. Have all these items prepared and in an accessible location in case of power outages or storm emergencies?

By being proactive with winter roofing maintenance and taking steps to winterize your entire property, you’ll ensure your home stays comfortable, and safe and avoids costly damage all winter long in Vernon. Review this checklist each fall and make winter preparation an annual routine for peace of mind. Working with reputable local contractors for projects like roof inspections, furnace servicing, and energy audits will pay dividends by optimizing your home’s winter readiness. A little time and financial investment upfront save you from much bigger headaches and expenses caused by winter weather impacts. Prioritizing winter home maintenance protects your home’s value and provides peace of mind when the snow starts falling. Don’t neglect winter roofing and preparations this year. Take action now before winter hits and safeguard your biggest asset – your home.