In a perfect world, winter would be filled with nothing but hot chocolate, sledding, skiing, and golden rays of sun bouncing off a powdery white dusting of snow. In the real world, it’s often filled with freezing temps, icy roads, and ill-timed snow days that send parents everywhere into a panic. Not to mention the havoc that winter can wreak on your home.
So as you hunker down and wait for the ground to thaw,
Find out how to protect your home from some of the most common winter time problems.
Unwanted Houseguests
No, we’re not talking about Aunt Edna overstaying her welcome, we’re talking about pests. You see, as the temperatures drop, little critters everywhere look for a nice warm place to call home. So keep them out by sealing any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, making sure all weather-stripping is intact, and keeping exterior doors closed at all times. And don’t forget to close the lids on your trash and recycling bins tightly to prevent raccoons from looking for a midnight snack.
The Big Freeze
While a frozen and burst pipe often results in hundreds and even thousands of dollars of damage, it can easily be prevented. Inspect the pipes you can easily access for damage and insulate those that are exposed to below freezing temps, like those in your garage, crawl space, or basement. And if you haven’t already, make sure all outdoor spigots are drained and shut off.
IceIce Ice Baby
It’s no secret that ice can be dangerous. But ice on your roof and gutters can cause some serious damage. For example, icicles, while nice to look at, can pull a gutter away from your roof, which can lead to shingle damage and leaks. Additionally, an ice dam can build up on the roof or under your shingles, which in turn can cause shingles to lift and water to leak into your home. To prevent that from happening, keep your gutters and downspouts free of leaves and debris, and keep the perimeter of your home free of snow. However, we don’t suggest getting on your roof. Leave that up to the professionals.
The Chill Factor
It never fails. It’s the coldest day of the year, you’re settled in for the night, and realize that your home is growing colder and colder. Before calling your trusty heating service company, here are a few troubleshooting tips to (hopefully) get your furnace up and running. First, check the fuse box or circuit breaker to make sure power is flowing to the furnace. Then, make sure the emergency shut off didn’t trip and that the pilot light is on. If you have oil heat, make sure that you didn’t run out of oil. And finally, check the thermostat, as a faulty one can keep the furnace from kicking in. Still no luck? Time to call a pro.
And when it’s time to call a pro, it’s time call Messmer Mechanical for prompt and reliable service, even 24/7 when the repair problem just can’t wait until morning. We repair all makes and models of home heating systems, including yours! Having a problem now? Then we’re ready and able to help.