Winter Storms: Prepare Your Home For The Worst

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

Surviving a winter storm involves more than just having shovels on hand while making sure the cupboards are stocked with bread and milk. It’s about fixing potential winter or blizzard to your home or possibly preventing it from happening at all.

Here are some cost-saving tips you can rely on when preparing for the next storm.

1. Look for Nearby Trees

Trees are a leading cause of incidental home damage during a storm. Limbs are torn by gusting winds or excessive snow weight and driven onto roofs and into siding. Inspect surrounding or neighboring trees in the fall. Significant tree service is best left to professionals.

2. Examine Your Roof

Roofs are the most vulnerable part of a home during a harsh winter storm. Roof areas typically account for half of the structure's exposed area and are often one of the most expensive areas to repair. Examining and making immediate repairs to your roof right after a storm can save thousands of dollars in collateral damage from leaks and water damage.

3. Check Your Ventilation

Ventilation openings in your home are easily damaged in a winter storm. Fireplace and chimney flues should be checked for blockage before finding out after lighting a fire. HVAC intakes and exhausts are easily clogged by blown leaves or icy buildup. 

4. Take Winter Water Damage Seriously

Deal with water damage immediately: Stop the source, protect valuables and begin drainage and drying. Make sure you contact your insurance company immediately and always consider hiring a water damage restoration company.

When in need, contact SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth at (207)947-0400; we're always here to help!