Protecting Your Home This Winter - January 10, 2012

This week saw the first real snow fall of the year. Although there was no accumulation, the snow is a friendly reminder that we need to be alert as the worst of winter approaches.

The cold of winter brings new hazards. We must take reasonable action to protect ourselves and our property from the damage of cold. From burst pipes to ice dams, and chimney fires to power outages, a few simple precautions could protect you from losses and disruptions this winter season.

Water damage during the months of January and February is common. Families often leave their homes in pursuit of warm weather or powdery slopes. While on vacation, it is recommended that the thermostat, in an effort to conserve energy, be turned down to 55 degrees. Tempted by high fuel prices, families often go below the 55 degree mark, which ultimately leads to a burst pipe and flooded house.

An easy way to protect yourself from burst pipes is to adhere to the 55 degree thermostat rule. You may also want to consider installing an automatic water shutoff system. These devices detect increased water flow caused by burst pipes, and automatically shut the system off. The devices are affordable and can even earn you a discount on your homeowners insurance.

A fire in the fireplace can provide warmth on a cold night, however, chimney and furnace fires also pose a significant risk. According the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, 25,000 residential fires begin in a fireplace or chimney each year. The culprit of those fires is often flammable carbon-based residues that build up inside the furnace and chimney. The solution is to have a professional chimneysweep clean and inspect your chimney on an annual basis. Please do not attempt on your own!

Outside of the home there are a different set of concerns. For example, ice dams and old trees can pose a substantial threat to your property. An Ice dam is a build up of ice that can form at the edge of your roof when snow melts, and this trapped water backs up under the shingles. Fortunately, ice dams and tree damage can be easily avoided through preventative measures such as cleaning your gutters each year and removing old, dead, or unstable trees.

These are just a few of the many topics related to protecting yourself and your home during the winter season. For more information and advice please feel free to contact us a 703-683-6601. We wish you the best of luck in facing this winter season!