How To Prepare For A Snow Storm
Winter is one of the most popular seasons, and living in New York makes it extra unique. Whether you head to the city and enjoy the epic Christmas displays or take it easy at home, the season brings people closer and creates awe-inspiring backdrops.
Unfortunately, one negative element of winter is the frequent snow storms- New York is no stranger to them. Even though these storms are common, they never fail to shock us and cause damage.
According to World Population Review, New York gets between 30-126 inches of snow, which is considerably higher than many other states.
If you want to protect your property from winter storms and ensure minimal damage, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Let’s dive in.
What are the common types of snow storm damage?
Winter weather can be severe in New York, with general snow storms and blizzards always being a risk. If your home isn’t protected against severe Winter weather, you could have to pay for expensive repairs and replace your personal belongings.
Here are the most common consequences of a severe storm:
- Flooding
- Gutter and roof problems
- Mold damage
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Flooding
A snow storm often has severe winds, damaging your roof and windows. If the snow comes into your property, it will melt and create excess water. Also, freezing temperatures can make your pipes burst, and moisture will escape into the property.
The excess water can flood, turning into mold if you don’t fix the problem immediately.
Areas that experience large amounts of snowfall will often find they have to deal with excess water around the property when it finally thaws. For example, ice on the windows and around doors will melt and get into the property.
As standing water can create structural damage, small amounts could lead to costly repairs.
Gutter and roof problems
When a winter storm hits your property, it can cause considerable damage to the roof and gutters. Snow is heavy, and a few inches of it settling on your roof and gutters can cause them to collapse.
While the guttering won’t cost too much to repair, you’ll need to replace the roof and factor in the damage to your loft space if it does collapse.
Mold damage
Many people don’t associate mold with snow storm damage, but where there’s moisture, spores can multiply.
Mold is horrible to look at, but it can also impact the structural integrity of your building – and the health of its inhabitants.
Exposure to mold spores can result in breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and infections for humans and pets.
How to prepare for a winter storm
So, now you know why it’s crucial to protect your home from severe weather; it’s time to learn how to do it. An obvious tip is to watch for winter storm warnings, which will give you time to prepare for a storm.
Your local news or radio station will send out a winter storm warning, giving you time to prepare for it.
Here are our top tips to prevent damage to your property.
- Check for vulnerabilities
- Trim your trees
- Seal up the property
- Check your heating system
- Insulate your water pipes
- Extend your downspouts
- Check your smoke detectors
- Prepare for power outages
Don’t let winter storms ruin your life. We’re always here to help
Along with following the tips to protect your property, you should always prioritize your family’s health. Warm clothes, plenty of food and water supplies, and alternative power sources will ensure you can successfully ride out any winter storm.
If your property does suffer damage, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly helpline. We can meet you on location and start the repair process immediately.
1.Look for any vulnerabilities
Just walking around your property can help you identify any potential risks. Storms will often cause issues for your home, and even the most minor issues can result in severe damage.
For example, if your roof has any loose shingles, the snow might cause the roof to collapse. Also, invest in storm windows or shutters, as they offer higher levels of protection against the weather and will stop freezing rain and snow from getting into the building.
Note any potential hazards and try to fix them in early fall.
2. Trim your trees
Tree branches can create enormous problems for your home, especially during the winter storm season. They can break windows and penetrate your roof, causing structural damage and flooding.
Take note of any branches near your property, and think about shrubs with loose branches. All you need to do is cut them down to a less dangerous length, but if any trees and shrubs are loose, it’s a good idea to remove them.
3. Seal up the property
You should also ensure your house is sealed correctly – especially around the window and door areas. Snow and ice melt, so even the smallest gaps can result in water damage.
Many people find their weatherstripping wears away, but taking time to weatherstrip doors and windows will significantly affect how your building withstands the storm.
Moisture damage is also a problem, but using caulk to fill even the smallest gaps will prevent water from seeping into the property.
4. Check your heating system
One of the biggest mistakes we see people make is waiting until winter to check their heating system. You probably haven’t used it in six months, so ensuring everything works is vital.
Calling a specialist to evaluate the furnace or heating system will highlight any issues before it’s too late.
5. Insulate your water pipes
Freezing temperatures are dangerous enough for pipes, but combining heavy snow with extreme cold can result in severe leaks. Insulating your lines ensure they stay warm and have fewer risks of bursting.
Some people also shut off their sprinkler systems and hose pipes to reduce the risk of leaks entering the property.
6. Extend your downspouts
It’s also a good idea to add extensions to your downspouts, as they channel the water safely away from your home. In most cases, the water will flow away from your home into a gravel pit, ensuring you’re not exposed to potential leaks.
The extensions are pretty easy to install and cost a lot less than cleaning up severe water damage.
7. Examine your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Let’s face it; nobody wants to go outside during a storm, and most people seal their houses when the temperature drops. Winter storms require a lot of heating, and people often resort to alternative heating methods.
Checking your detectors is vital because it prevents fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel but remember that some options are more dangerous than others.
8. Prepare for power outages
A power outage means you won’t be able to use your usual lighting and cooking equipment, so it’s a good idea to invest in an emergency supply kit. They’re handy in winter storms – especially if you have an electric heating source for cold temperatures.
With so many emergency kits out there, you’ll be able to choose between budget models and more expensive options that offer generators.
What if severe winter weather damages my property?
Even if you follow the steps in this post, there’s no guarantee that your home will be 100% safe from the elements. Storms happen, and winter weather advisories can come too late.
Luckily, iFlooded Restoration offers an emergency storm damage restoration service, ensuring we can minimize the damage to your property and recover your personal belongings.
Our dedicated team works throughout the winter season and guarantees professional service. Here’s how we can help you.
Emergency repairs
When we visit your property, we’ll perform emergency repairs to minimize the damage. For example, our team will repair roof leaks and do our best to secure the property for when the real work begins.
You can contact our emergency line 24/7; our team is available throughout the year. There’s no waiting around with us.
Remediation
The remediation process involves removing standing water from the property and drying it to prevent mold growth. We’ll also do our best to salvage your belongings and notify you if anything is unsalvageable.
Restoration and repairs
Finally, we’ll sanitize the property and perform repairs so you can have peace of mind that the building is stronger for the next season. Better still, our team will help you with the insurance claim and meet the company on-site.
