Home Tips for Heavy Snow
Maryland has been hit with about 30″ of snow so far and more snow is falling. I don’t mind the snow but it does present some unique challenges for protecting my home. This post will focus on things homeowners need to address during / after a heavy snow fall.
Freezing Pipes
Frozen pipes cut off water supply and are in danger of bursting. Pipes running along exterior wall and uninsulated spaces are more prone to freezing but there are some simple things you can do.
- Insulate pipes as best you can even if that means wrapping them in newspaper.
- Open sink and vanity doors to better allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Let faucets drip slightly to keep the water moving.
Exhaust Vents
You may spend significant time clearing a sidewalk, but don’t forget to clear around exhaust vents. Furnace and water heater vents release carbon monoxide outside your home. Blocked vents may result in damaged equipment, improper function, or carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very serious concern that claims lives every year. Clear away snow and re-check them as snow falls.
Snow on the Roof
Some older structures are not able to support heavy snow falls. The weight of all that snow can damage a roof and even cause it to collapse. Use a snow roof rake to help lessen the load. Ice dams are another potential problem that occur when heat escapes, melting the snow only to have it refreeze. The ice builds up under shingles and eventually leaks into the home.
Clearing Snow
Clear around your house so that melted snow has a path leading away from your house. You don’t want water to build up and finds its way inside. Pay close attention to windows and doors. Ice is also a danger around your outdoor heating unit. Clear the snow and check the unit from time to time.
What do you think? What are your tips for surviving a heavy snow storm?
Image courtesy of Distar97
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February 15th, 2010 11:14 pm
One thing you may want to add to you list here is to ensure the snow is cleared from around the heatpump. I am in Northern Virginia and could not understand why my heat pump sounded so horrible and running overtime. Well, at least part of the problem was the 30 inches of on three sides of the heat pump. Now I am off to look at the insulation in the cantilever floor (my feet are cold).