Get Your Home Winter Ready

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Making preparations ahead of time can prevent fierce winter storms from causing havoc to your home.

Getting the Outside Ready for Winter Storms

Trim or Remove Trees

• Trimming: Trimming is far less expensive than full removal. Crews can thin out the branches to reduce the “sail effect” when those high winter winds blow. Trimming can also can balance out the tree’s load and keep one side from being heavier than the other, a condition that may topple the tree.
• Removing: Tree removal can entail a significant cost, especially in dense, metro areas where mobility is limited.Many communities require that you apply for a tree removal permit or at least put in a written notification. In many cases, the permit or notice must be accompanied by an arborist’s report stating that removal is required.

Check Roofing and Flashing Stability

High winds can loosen roof shingles. Walk your roof and inspect it carefully. Shingles that are obviously loose should be replaced by a qualified roofer.

The condition of the flashing – the metal sleeves around the chimney and other roof protrusions – is more difficult to visually determine. Have a contractor or roofer inspect these areas.

Promote Drainage Away from House

When storms hit, massive amounts of water are directed at your house over a short period of time.  Re-grade the soil around your house so it declines away from the foundation.

Clean and Repair Gutters and Downspouts

One source of water damage to foundations and basements is downspouts that force water straight into the ground.  This can be easily and cheaply fixed by adding plastic downspout drainage lines that deposit the water away from the house.  Fix or replace gutters in the summer.  Clean gutters early fall, as soon as all the leaves are off the trees.

Remove Air Conditioners

By the end of summer, window unit air conditioners are no longer needed.  A/C units are weak points for water intrusion.  Even if there is a tight seal between the unit and the window, water can still enter through the back of the unit. 

Clean Wood Fire Burning Chimneys

Wood-burning fireplaces build up an oily substance that can cause chimneys to ignite. 

Call the experts if you experience Water, Soot, Smoke or Fire Damage

SERVPRO Of Clifton 973-928-3705