Protect Your Home from Freezing Temps
Keep Your Home Safe in Freezing Weather

When the chill of winter sets in and outdoor temperatures drop, our thoughts turn to staying cozy and warm indoors. However, harsh winter weather can pose significant risks to your home and property. Fortunately, with a little foresight and preparation, you can protect your home and keep your loved ones safe and warm.

So pour yourself a hot cup of cocoa and read on as we share a few tips for safeguarding your home during the coldest of days.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

When temperatures fall below freezing, the water inside exposed pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to expand and potentially burst. This can lead to flooding, water damage, and expensive repairs.

  • Insulate exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages.
  • If you expect very cold temperatures, let faucets drip slightly to keep the water moving.
  • Open the cabinets beneath sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, especially those located against exterior walls.

Protect Your Home Roof from Ice Dams

Ice dams can form when snow melts on a roof and refreezes near the eaves. This can lead to water backing up under the shingles, causing leaks inside your home.

  • Proper insulation in the attic keeps the roof’s temperature more consistent, preventing snow from melting and refreezing.
  • After heavy snowfall, use a roof rake with a long handle to remove snow from the edges of your roof to help prevent ice buildup along the eaves.
  • You can install heat cables along the roofline to help melt snow and prevent ice from forming.

Protect Your Foundation

Freezing temperatures can cause the ground around your home to expand, putting pressure on the foundation and potentially causing cracks or shifting.

  • Ensure that the soil around your home slopes away from the foundation to help prevent water from pooling and freezing near the base of the house.
  • Insulating the perimeter of your foundation can help prevent the ground from freezing too deeply, reducing the risk of damage.
  • Check the foundation for any visible cracks or gaps and seal them with caulk or a waterproofing sealant.

Maintain Your Heating System

Extremely cold temperatures can put strain on your heating system as it tries to maintain consistent warmth throughout your home.

  • Have your heating system professionally inspected if it hasn’t been already to make sure it’s operating at max efficiency.
  • Change your furnace filter every eight weeks during the heating season.
  • Take some strain off your heating system by running ceiling fans in reverse; doing so pushes warm air down where you need it most.

Freezing outdoor temperatures can wreak havoc on your home, but with some preventive measures, you can avoid most of the costly damage associated with winter weather. If you haven’t had your heating system professionally inspected yet, it’s not too late. Contact Zach Heating & Cooling today. From heating system maintenance and repair to new system installation, we can help you stay safe and warm throughout the cold season.