Winter Preparation Tips

Winter is coming. 

It may not feel like it after the unusually warm summer and fall we had this year, but Connecticut homeowners can still expect to see some wintry weather in the months ahead. 

December, January, and February will bring colder temperatures and extreme weather conditions that can put your home at risk—both indoors and out. 

Why worry about winter storms? 

Below-freezing conditions can cause pipes to freeze and burst, which often leads to costly repairs. Additionally, the accumulation of snow and ice can lead to damage from fallen tree limbs, a collapsed roof, and even potentially hazardous ice dams that cause water to leak into your attic. 

In each of these cases, the threat of water damage is high. If left unaddressed, even for a short period of time, the parts of your home affected by excess moisture will be extremely vulnerable to mold growth. 

Over time, the presence of mold indoors can leave the door open for even bigger problems that threaten not just the structural integrity of your living space but also the well-being of you and your family. 

What can you do now to prepare for winter and prevent water damage and mold growth? 

When moisture is present, mold growth is never far behind. Typically, all it takes is 24 to 48 hours for opportunistic mold to flourish and wreak havoc indoors, which is why we recommend doing everything you can to safeguard your home against water damage this season—starting with these five important tips. 

1. Clean your gutters. 

Clogged gutters can quickly become a problem for Connecticut homeowners during the winter months. A buildup of leaves, dirt, and other organic matter can create a blockage that prevents rainwater—as well as water from melting snow and ice—from easily being carried away. 

Before the cold weather sets in, make sure your gutters are free of debris and able to easily drain water away from your home. This will help you avoid ice dams, which form when heavy snow builds up, freezes, and traps melted water behind it, consequently preventing it from draining and increasing the likelihood of water entering your home. 

Remember to also check your downspouts (the vertical pipes attached to your gutters that carry water down and away from the house) to make sure they are securely connected and working efficiently.

2. Inspect your roof.

A roof that is structurally sound will go a long way toward keeping out unwanted moisture. As a rule, you should perform a thorough inspection of your roof at least once a year for general wear and tear and to ensure there are no missing shingles, holes, or other signs of damage that may be exacerbated by harsh winter weather. 

Homeowners can easily perform a safe visual inspection from ground level by checking all the gutters and downspouts, the area around the chimney, and the flashing (thin strips of material around the edges, most commonly made of metal, that help with waterproofing). You should also examine the shingles for any signs of holes or gaps. 

If you see anything concerning, it is worth calling a professional contractor to assess the issue and ensure your roof is sound. 

3. Protect your pipes.

If below-freezing temperatures are expected, be sure to leave at least one faucet in your home running at a slow trickle to ensure water continues to flow through the pipes. This will prevent your pipes from bursting and causing both structural and water damage to your home. It is also a good idea to leave your bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. 

Set your indoor thermostat at a steady temperature throughout the day and night (no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit), and make sure you know the location of the main water shut-off valve in case you have to quickly turn off the water. 

Finally, detach any outdoor garden hoses before the cold weather sets in to prevent damage to both your spigots and pipes. 

4. Trim trees and remove dead branches.

Unhealthy trees and winter weather are a bad combination. Why? Because heavy rain, snow, and ice can saturate dead or drying tree limbs, causing them to break off and fall—possibly onto your roof. Not only that, but high winds can turn loose branches into projectiles that can damage windows and doors, allowing rain and moisture to enter your home. 

In preparation for winter storms, take a look around your yard to make sure your trees are healthy. If you see any dead limbs or branches that could become a problem, trim and remove them immediately. While you are out there, it is a good idea to secure or store any lawn furniture or yard items that may become a potential threat. 

5. Add insulation.

You may not realize it, but adding extra insulation in places such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces can also help protect your home from water damage and mold growth during the winter months. 

A poorly insulated attic can allow too much heat to escape, which accelerates the melting of snow and ice on the roof and may contribute to the formation of ice dams. Likewise, too little insulation in basements and crawl spaces can leave pipes vulnerable to freezing. 

Before the cold weather sets in, consider adding extra insulation to these key areas to keep your home warm and dry. 

Weather the storm with CT Mold Pros.

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but accidents can happen even with diligent preparation. 

If your home sustains water damage this winter as the result of severe weather, contact CT Mold Pros immediately. Our water damage mitigation specialists act quickly to neutralize the flow of water and restore your water-damaged property back to its original dry state.

Call (203) 920-0265 today for a free estimate or fill out this short form with your message to schedule an appointment.