Winter can bring many thrills, including watching the snowfall and celebrating holidays. Unfortunately, winter can also bring hazards like nasty storms and cold weather. These events can affect a home, leading to homeowners needing water damage restoration.
While Auburn, GA, homeowners can't control the weather outside, they can better prepare their homes for this wintry season. Matrix Mitigation Services, LLC provides six tips to help homeowners prepare their homes for the winter season.
1. Clean Out the Gutters
Homeowners should regularly clean out their gutters every season. Cleaning gutters right before winter is critical. Heavy snow and ice can put pressure on the gutters, causing them to pull away.
Besides gutters pulling away from the roof's edge, all the extra weight can cause water damage in the roof frame or attic. Water damage leads to many problems, including:
- Damaged walls, floors, and furniture
- Mold growth and respiratory issues
- Electrical fires
In extreme cases, the roof can collapse, leading to repair needs beyond water damage restoration.
2. Get a Roof Inspection
While homeowners clean their gutters independently, a roof inspection requires a professional roofer. Roofs are sturdy, but several inches of snow and ice can affect the roof's structural integrity.
Any qualified roof inspector should be capable of handling repairs. Repairs like shingles replacement typically only take an afternoon to complete. While no one likes to spend money, a few roof repairs or adjustments can prevent roof damage and leaks over the winter, which reduces the risk of needing emergency water damage restoration.
3. Trim or Prune Tree Branches
Trees can protect a home during rain or winter storms. However, broken branches can create safety hazards. Even ordinarily healthy branches can suddenly snap or fall due to weight from snow and ice.
If homeowners feel uncomfortable trimming their tree branches, they can hire an arborist. An arborist will safely trim a tree's branches, preventing injury to the home and the tree itself.
4. Reverse Ceiling Fans
While it sounds counterintuitive, there are many benefits to running ceiling fans during winter. Ceiling fans circulate warm air throughout a home, resulting in reduced energy bills.
Homeowners should reverse their ceiling fans for the best results. Most fans have a switch above their blades for this option.
5. Insulate and Seal a Home
Homeowners should also find ways to insulate and seal their homes. Hire professionals to inspect the attic's insulation and see if it needs to be upgraded or replaced.
A home may also have gaps or holes where air can leak. Doors and windows are major culprits, but recaulking can improve homes' energy efficiency over winter. A typical caulking gun and tube of caulk only costs around $20.
In exchange, homeowners can prevent air leaks, reducing the need for heating systems.
6. Tune-up Heating Systems
During winter, homeowners use their furnaces and other heating systems more. Schedule routine HVAC maintenance in the fall, before winter sets in, to ensure the system is functioning correctly for winter.
For Water Damage Restoration, Call Matrix Mitigation Services, LLC.
There are various ways a homeowner can winterize their home. Unfortunately, water damage can still occur, and homeowners may need water damage restoration services.
Call Matrix Mitigation Services, LLC today at (855) 541-1010 for water damage restoration in Auburn, GA.
