Preparing your home for the chilly season is an essential aspect of keeping it secure and intact. While you might believe that a bit of snow and freezing temperatures aren’t capable of impacting the stability of your home, they can cause some severe issues. Read about some of the different ways cold weather can damage your home so that you can prepare confidently.
Ice Dams Can Damage Your Roof
Several different factors can contribute to ice dams on your home during the frigid winter months. No matter how they may form, ice dams can weigh on your gutters and tear them from your home. Additionally, ice dams can also loosen shingles, leaving your roof exposed. This could then lead to water infiltration throughout your dwelling’s foundation. So, if you notice ice dams forming on your roof, do what you can to scrape them away before they become unmanageable.
Freezing Temperatures Can Break Pipes
Of course, freezing temperatures can also wreak havoc on your pipes and plumbing. Water constantly runs through your pipes so that it can distribute itself throughout your home. So, when temperatures go well below freezing, the water all over your house will rapidly harden, and the shock from this process often causes pipes to burst. This rapid freezing leads to serious leaks in your home and an immediate need for plumbing repairs. So, if you expect temperatures to drop below freezing, it’s a good idea to drip your faucets and add extra insulation around some of your pipes if possible.
Your Foundation Can Crack
Additionally, inclement winter weather can cause issues with the home’s foundation. Frigid temperatures can cause the soil under your house to freeze. When this happens, it begins to expand. Then, the soil puts lateral pressure on the foundation and causes an upheaval. From there, the shifting can easily create cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings, compromising the security and structure of your home. So, if you notice any cracking in certain features of your home, it’s best to call a contractor to evaluate the damages as soon as possible.
Understanding how to protect your house from ice, snow, and frigid temps is easier when you know about some of the different ways cold weather can damage your home. Hopefully, our quick guide gives you some new knowledge on the subject. This way, you’ll know how to keep your home in excellent shape throughout the winter months.
