Potential Winter Damage to Your Home

It is important to take steps to prepare your home for winter weather and reduce the potential winter damage to your home.

Tips on Winterizing your Connecticut Home

J.C. Tonnotti offers these reminders to make sure you prepare your home for Connecticut winter weather and any potential blizzards.

HOME DAMAGE: Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and lead to flooding and expensive water damage. If your pipes do freeze, you want to thaw them as soon as possible.

How to prevent your pipes from freezing? Maintain your home temperature by setting the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are leaving for a vacation be sure to keep your heat on. Note: shutting off the water will not prevent your pipes from freezing but can reduce the amount of water damage.

HOME DAMAGE: Ice Dams

Heavy icicles hanging from your roof and gutter are ice dams. They may look pretty but they can cause damage to your home – ripping off your gutters, roof damage, and even interior ceiling water damage. The ice build-up should be removed by a professional in a timely fashion, to avoid more damage to the roof.

You can prevent ice dams by inspecting your gutters regularly, caulking leaks in flashings, routinely maintaining your roof, and making sure your attic has ventilation.

ANOTHER PREVENTION TIP: Monitor the Temperature in your Attic

Monitoring the temperature in your attic might not sound like it will help, but heat rises and ice dams are created from melting snow. Try to keep the temperature in your attic closer to the outside temperature. Make sure your attic is properly ventilated.

If you notice any winter weather damage, don’t wait until the spring. Have it looked at ASAP!

Connecticut homeowners can contact JC Tonnotti for a consultation.