We all know Maryland winters can become very cold and snowy. Winter house prep is essential now before it hits. Leaking roofs, bursting pipes, flooded basements, falling branches, and gutters can damage your home and vehicles. Prepare your property for winter with a few preventative steps. It’s simple and can save you from expensive repairs.
Stock up on Salt
Waiting until it snows to buy salt is a big mistake. Driving to the store during or after a storm is risky. Winter house prep means planning ahead so that you can relax and enjoy the winter wonderland with everything you need ready to go. Spread salt before the storm hits. It will feel like less work, and your walkways and driveway will be all set.
Insulate Your Pipes
Pipes freeze easily. When they freeze, they water inside freezes too. When that water turns into ice, it expands, and your pipes crack and burst. If water is coming out of your faucet slowly, it’s a sign you have icy water in the pipes. You need to inspect the insulation around your pipes. You can buy simple foam sleeves at your local home improvement store, or hire a professional to ensure protection. Burst pipes can be disastrous, and very costly.
Inspect Hazards Above
Trees dry out and die in the winter. Heavy snow and strong winds can cause their branches to break. The branches fall into power lines, on your roof, or onto vehicles parked in your driveway. Similarly, gutters become weighed down when icicles form. Falling branches and gutters are a disaster waiting to happen. Remove dead trees, hanging branches and loose gutters as soon as possible.
Check and Double Check Your Roof
Getting a fall or winter roof inspection is very important. Ice, heavy snow and wind can cause loose shingles and flying debris. If your roof is aging, it won’t take much for a leak to start. Needing a roof repair while there is snow on the ground and ice on the roof isn’t easy. Roofers often can’t access your roof in icy conditions after a storm. Make sure your roof is in great shape before the winter, so you can at least wait until spring before you have to worry about it again.
Be Prepared
The winter weather can be scary. Make sure your pipes are insulated, your trees are trimmed, and your roof is ready. You don’t want anything else to worry about when you’re in the middle of a blizzard.
Landmark Roofing is available for roof inspections and repairs for Maryland homeowners before winter storms hit. If your roof, windows or siding need attention, give us a call at 443-292-5242 as soon as possible.
