We all are aware of how harsh New York winters can be. From the below freezing temperatures, to the snowstorms, most of us expect these conditions during the winter months.
Now that winter is officially upon us, it is important to make sure that your roof and home are prepared for future freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Without proper preparation, your roof may be damaged and problems might arise. Taking these simple precautions will help prepare your home for the winter.
Impactful steps to take:
1. Seal all gutters, windows, and visible cracks in foundation.
Sealing cracks will prevent future flooding after snow melts. Each year the ground freezes, unfreezes, and the process repeats itself. The weather slowly shifts your foundation and increases the possibility of flooding.
Right after a snowfall, quickly shovel snow away from the perimeter of your home to prevent it from seeping into the foundation and leaking into your home.
2. Prepare your landscape specifically for winter.
Planning your landscape designs to slope away from your home can help prevent future flooding. Make sure to have a drainage system near the road and away from your home for melted snow and rain water to drain.
3. Make sure your roof is properly insulated.
Having a properly insulated roof will prevent icicles from forming from your gutters. As beautiful as they are, icicles are a sign of ice dams. The build ups can cause damages to shutters, gutters, and leak into your home.
Make sure to remove icicles from your gutters immediately. To remove ice dams, heat them manually to melt them or remove them with a roof rake.
4. Ensure your attic does not have condensation.
Attic condensation in the winter can cause mold and mildew to grow. The cold temperatures outside and the snow on the roof can cause condensation in your attic. No homeowner wants to be faced with this due to it causing mold and rot.
To prevent condensation, make sure your attic and roof are properly insulated. Removing the snow from your roof after a heavy snowfall is always the smart decision, even if you have a sturdy roof.
5. Have your home inspected by a professional to ensure that your roof is equipped for future snowfalls.
After a heavy snowfall, make sure to remove the snow from your roof to prevent it from collapsing. In extreme cases, your roof may start to collapse if it was a large snowfall and a heavy snow.
If you have experienced winter damages to your home, contact the experienced public insurance adjusters at Rubin & Rosen Adjusters. Our team is experienced in handling small and large claims and works hard to help our clients get the largest claim possible. We put your interests before the insurance companies. Contact us at 718-376-6800 to discuss your winter damages today.