Posted on Nov.5th, 2014
Although you do not have the power to change or control the weather, you are still graced with the ability of minimizing the biggest threats of the winter season to your home. Accumulation of heavy and excessive snow can pose serious threat and damage to your business or home considering the fact that it both builds up and then melts. There are three essential precautions to take and these are as follows:
• Watch out for a snow accumulation on the downwind side of an elevated or high-level roof. For effective and safe removal, you can contact a qualified roofing contractor.
• Remove the snow from the basement stairwells, walls and window wells. Melting snow can sometimes lead to moisture intrusion and water damage.
• Keep the attic clean and well ventilated maintaining temperature that is close to outdoor temperature to reduce the risk of ice dam formation. Warm attics melt snow present on the roof triggering the water to flow down and refreeze at the edge of the roof where it is definitely cooler.
Flood damage and water intrusion due to melting of snow can seriously threaten businesses and home. However, you can also take helpful steps to minimize potential damages. As soon as the physical danger or threat has passed, be able to:
• Make sure that the buildings are structurally safe for entrance and re-occupation.
• Turn off electric plugs and outlets. Never use electricity until proven safe to do so.
• Secure the property’s exterior to get rid of water intrusion.
• Disconnect all electrical equipment and move electronics to a dry and safe location.
• Remove standing water inside the building as much as possible.
• Eliminate materials that were damaged by the water as soon as possible.
• Ventilate your home the best way that you can with dehumidifiers and fans.
• Contact the nearest water extraction company if the situation calls for it.
By undertaking immediate actions, you can certainly do your part in reducing the damage and increasing the opportunity of saving usable materials. You will also minimize the amount of mold, rust, mildew and rot that might develop and lower the odds that water will result to unwanted structural problems.
Winter season can also trigger the accumulation of ice dams on the lower portion of the sloped roof. In case ice builds up and then blocks the water from draining the roof, water will be forced under the covering of the roof, to your attic and down the walls. In reducing ice dams, you have to do the following:
• Ensure that gutters are free from debris and leaves.
• Maintain the attic’s proper ventilation.
• Ensure that the floor is well-insulated minimizing amount of heat rising in the attic.
These are just few of the many ways to reduce ice dams. If you have Boston real estate properties, you need to consider these winter home protection tips to ideally maintain the looks and condition of your property. This is advantageous especially if you are planning to sell your property. Investors and property buyers will definitely go for a well-maintained and protected property available for sale in the Massachusetts Real Estate market.