Good Lifestyle

If you live in an area subject to winter storms (or even if you get a monster snowstorm this year), it is likely that you know the basics - under a shovel of snow, fill up on food and water no perishable in the event of a power outage , Have a lot of covers and clothes in cold weather. But even if you are toasted and well nourished, the snow can wreak havoc on your home, from structural problems to plumbing snafus at safety risks. To ensure that your home is ready the next time the time is risky, we have consulted experts in the improvement of the house and public services. Read more to learn their best tips to prepare your home for a snowstorm.

Read this then: 10 errors you make that keep your house cold, say the experts .

According to Glenn Wiseman , sales director at HOME TOP HAT comfort services , the first step to prepare for a snowstorm is to make sure that the roof of your home can withstand the elements.

"Certain common warning signs to monitor that your roof may need to be held at water stains in the granaries, curling or broken shingles, caulking brick or wood, and granular particles of the granular particles Bardes found in your wakes, "explains Wiseman.

Leaks can cause a myriad of problems, so you will want to get a professional if you notice one of these red flags.

In an ideal situation, snow melts on your roof, then passes through the gutters to the ground. However, as a real estate emergency service company Puroclean explain Better life , when temperatures outside are very low but your attic is hot, "the edge of your roof and your gutters remains below freezing and when melted snow goes to the gutters, it freezes." This then creates an ice dam. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Having a well -isolated attic will help prevent this, as is the reduction in temperature at the top of your home before a snowstorm.

Of course, it is sometimes out of words on the roof. In such cases, Joe Palumbo , president of the based minneapolis Ice dam guys suggests having a roof rake or roof broom . They cannot remove an ice dam, but they can help prevent them.

"Both, whether they are used together or alone, are excellent tools to eliminate snow from slopes and ravines oriented north of your roof where snow and ice collide. Even if you do not get Ice dams, use one, because it removes snow your roof quickly and allows appropriate drainage. "

Read this then: 10 errors you make that wreaking havoc on your home in winter, say the experts .

A common danger with blizzards is slaughtered trees or broken branches, which can fall on your home. This can happen by strong winds or members unable to maintain the additional weight of snow and ice.

"You should look at your larger trees and members. If you seem dead, damaged, sick or otherwise compromised, plan a arborist to remove it," advises Lisa Tadewaldt , ISA certified arborician and owner of Forest Urban . "If a tree leans towards an asset, monitor it and consult an arborealian because there is a chance that the roots have weakened or fail. If you know that you have a tree dug from the internal rot, it is also A culprit for the fall. "

Freezing temperatures, which can be exacerbated by a power failure induced by the snowstorm, can freeze and burst pipes. Fortunately, there are simple ways to prevent this.

"Make sure your pipes are properly insulated. You can use pipe sleeves or wrap your pipes in insulation tape to keep them warm," Matt Hagens , Carpenter and founder of Obsessed wood work , previously told Better life .

Another pro tip is to "open cabinet doors where the piping is present, especially when the pipes are next to an outside wall", so that they receive heat, according to Ian Giammanco , Main research meteorologist at Insurance Institute for the Safety of Business and Home (IBHS).

You will also want to "keep the valves on different parts of your accommodation to avoid freezing", explains Josh Dozor , former administrator of FEMA and current managing director of medical assistance and security at SOS International .

If everything else fails, turn off the water so that it cannot freeze inside the pipes. "Before the cold blows, identify the location of the main water stop valve, and if specific tools (such as pliers or channel locks) are necessary to close it," advises Giammanco.

If you turn off the water, pay attention to the reopening of the valve. "Once it resumes, light the water on a slow drop before trying to open the taps completely," explains Dozor.

The same plumbing principles apply to pipes outside the house.

"Make sure that the outdoor taps are isolated and covered. If possible, drain the water pipes by feeding them," explains Giammanco. "Winterlink outdoor outdoor systems by closing their water diet and draining their pipes."

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Even if the items are adapted to the outside, they may not be able to withstand strong winds and associated risks of a snowstorm. "Store loose objects such as decorations, children's toys, patio furniture and all materials or objects that may not be able to manage the weight of snow", advises Giammanco.

"Make sure to disconnect all external items such as pipes, air conditioners or lawn devices to avoid damage to snow or ice," adds Andre Kazimierski , CEO of Painters Improovy Chicago .

If you have a fireplace, it is another part of your house that you will want to maintain in the event of a snowstorm.

"A brick -based chimney can crack and absorb water from prolonged exposure to precipitation," explains Wiseman. "Have your masonry checked by a professional once a year for any damage."

If you notice that all the chimney parts - such as shock absorber screens, sparks and rain caps - are missing or damaged, make them replace, he says. "Make sure the cap is on and that the shock absorber is closed," adds Wiseman.

Snow storms often come from power outages. To prepare for potential heat loss, try to trap as much as possible as possible.

"Close blinds and curtains and towels and rags under the doors to prevent all cold air from passing," advises Dozor. "When you enter / out of a room, make sure the door remains closed to preserve heat." He also suggests that household members remain in the same room to maximize body heat.

Before the winter season, Giammanco recommends ensuring that all windows and doors are sealed with caulking. "If condensation freezes inside, this is an indication that they are not well sealed from the outside," he explains.

If you use a radiator, connect it directly to a wall outlet, says Christopher Haas , Owner of Haas & Sons Electric . "They generally need or consume a lot of energy, which means a high electric current. The fact of having the current has passed through an extension or poorly equipped power strip can cause fusion or even a fire . "

If you need to use a power strip, make sure it is high quality and never leave the radiator unattended.

Read this then: 7 errors you make that increase your heating bill, say the experts .

The above advice will only keep you warm for so long. In extreme winter storms, electricity can go out for days or even weeks. This is why you will want to have another heat source, most of which will have to be supplied by a backup generator.

Mark Dawson , president and chief executive officer of Hour heating and air conditioning ,, Mr Sparky , and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing , share some important security advice on the use of a generator:

• Run your generator outside to prevent its powerful smoke from circulating throughout your home.
• Make sure you are cautious when using a generator and keep children and animals away to avoid potential risks.
• Create five clearance feet on all sides of your generator to avoid the risk of fire.
• Do not forget to modify the oil and carry out routine maintenance when your generator is not used.

Of course, having a generator will also allow you to propel the lights, chargers and electric kitchen devices.

It is good advice whatever happens, but especially before a snowstorm: either install a Carbon monoxide detector Or make sure your existing has functional backup batteries in the event of power loss.

"The reason they are so important is that during large storms, we generally increase heat. Whether it is an oven, a wood stove or a generator, they can all produce Unhealthy exhausts for you and your family, "warns Haas. "This could be due to the failure of the product or simply to the high volumes of snow minimizing the air flow of the external exhaust vents. These detectors will be the first line of defense if your fireplace is saved, your generator escape escapes Porch or your old furnace has a leak. "