Northeast Property Restoration
November 20, 2020
1:00 pm
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Winter Weather Property Hazards

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Some towns and cities around the country can shut down completely due to winter weather. Homeowners in colder climates should winterize their properties before a potential winter storm hits.

Winter storms bring extreme cold, snow, high winds, and icy conditions. These can affect your property by potentially causing ice dams, frozen pipes, snow buildup, wind & hail damage, and even fires. Therefore, property owners should prepare so severe damage does not happen.

1) Ice Dams

Ice Dams are formed by layers of snow and ice that buildup in the eaves of your roof and gutters. This buildup thus causes dams that block the water from flowing off your roof. This then can direct the water into you home down the interior walls.

Prevention:

Inspect the roof for damage
Clear your gutters & downspouts of debris
Install a water repellent membrane in your roof

2) Frozen Pipes

When the weather gets colder pipes become vulnerable to freezing and bursting. This then causes property flooding and extensive damage.

Prevention:

Insulate your pipes
Leave cabinets with plumbing open
Set your homes temperature above 55 degrees.

*The majority of jobs we service for pipe bursts are ones where the property is vacant for a period of time.

3) Snow Buildup

Heavy snow can buildup around your property. If this buildup isn’t cleared away and rapid melting occurs you could end up with flooding in your basement.

Prevention:

Remove the buildup
Check your basement for crack or holes in the foundation
Clear pathways and entrances to avoid slipping and falling

4) Wind Damage

Winter storm winds can cause damage to the exterior of your property. Strong winds can cause damage to shingles or siding, break off tree limbs or take down trees, and could down power lines.

Prevention:

Inspect your roof and repair/replace if needed
Trim or have dead trees taken down
Get a backup generator

5) Hail Damage

Hail can be many sizes and can come down in high speeds. Hailstorms can cause damage to aluminum siding, shingles, gutters, and could crack your vinyl siding.

Prevention:

Inspect and maintain your roof regularly
Replace your roof with one that is impact-resistant
Maintain trees and shrubbery

6) Fires

House fires are extremely common during harsh winter weather. This happens due to in increase in heating systems, poorly maintained furnaces, outdated electrical, and holiday cooking.

Prevention:

Never leave heaters, fireplaces, or cooking unattended
Replace outdated electrical
Install multiple smoke detectors throughout your property

7) Insurance Coverage

Challenges may arise when filing a winter weather related insurance claim. For ex. for frozen pipes, owners should be prepared to prove that the heat in the structure was being maintained and monitored.

Always make sure you have proof. Takes lots of pictures and document everything in relation to the damage.

Severe Winter Weather

Winter weather can cause severe damage to your home or property. Therefore, prevention is needed to avoid damage and extreme costs. Contact your insurance agent to find out exactly what is covered in your policy, that way if a situation does occur you wont be blindsided.

*Lastly, don’t hesitate, put these prevention tips into action before potential devastation occurs.

Disaster Recovery Service Area:

Broome County, Tioga County, Tompkins County, Cortland County, Susquehanna County, Chenango County and more!