How To Prepare Your Home For A Winter Storm

Protect Your Home Against A Cold Winter Storm

Protect Your Pipes. During a winter storm, pipes may freeze and burst. Pipes are most likely to freeze when it becomes cold in the house, potentially during a power outage. But pipes can freeze even if the heat is working perfectly fine; if the pipes are close to the outside of the house, or if the pipes are in a poorly insulated area, they are at a high risk of freezing and bursting. To prevent freezing, inspect any areas near pipes to ensure they are sufficiently insulated and add insulation before winter hits. If your heat goes out in winter due to a power outage, have a generator ready. If your heat goes out but not your power, you can use space heaters to keep the pipes from freezing. If using space heaters, be cautious to not leave them near anything flammable or to leave them unattended while on. 

If you haven’t insulated vulnerable pipes before the winter months hit, you can still potentially protect your home from pipe bursts. If the weather is well below freezing and you turn your faucet on full blast but little comes out, shut your water off. Pipes don’t typically burst where they freeze; instead, the water pressure builds in the pipe due to the frozen section blocking the flow of water and they burst in an area where the pipe is the weakest. Turning the water in your house off will stop this pressure buildup and can save you from a burst. Once your water is turned off, open a faucet so that any ice has a place to flow after it melts. This will help to release pressure.

Keep Your Home Warm. Beyond the heating recommendations of space heaters and backup generators, there are steps you can take before winter to keep your home warm. Ensure greater insulation by sealing areas where wind may be getting through, such as window sills and doors, with caulking or weather strips. It is beneficial to install storm windows in a cold climate such as Calgary, however covering the windows with plastic on the inside can help with insulation if storm windows aren’t an option for you. Heat isn’t only lost where there are drafts; your home may be lacking sufficient insulation in the walls or roof. Have these checked before winter and have insulation added as needed. If you have a fireplace in the home, keep wood or coal nearby so you can start a fire if the heat goes out. Make sure to check that the fireplace has proper ventilation before you use it, and dispose of ashes responsibly. 

Contact 24/7 Restoration For Storm Damage Cleanup

Even with the proper precautions taken, winter storm damage can still occur. If your home has suffered winter storm damage and you need immediate repair, call the cleanup experts at 24/7 Restoration in Calgary. Our team of highly trained restoration experts has the knowledge and equipment to clean up your home, mitigate damage, and immediately begin restoration. Our emergency restoration services are available 24 hours a day since disaster can strike at any time. For storm damage cleanup in Calgary, contact 24/7 Restoration at 1-403-247-4365 or fill out the online contact form. At 24/7 Restoration, your peace of mind is our deliverable.

FAQ

Q: Are there other types of potential winter storm damage?
A: While frozen pipes can lead to flooding, winter storms can also lead to high winds, fallen trees, ice dam buildups, and even collapsed roofs. If you have suffered any of these or other winter storm damages, call 24/7 Restoration.

Q: Does 24/7 Restoration charge for estimates?
A: Our estimates are 100% free and we are committed to being super responsive when storm damages occur in your home or business.

Q: Why are pipes likely to freeze during a winter storm when they’re normally fine in the Calgary climate?
A: When you’re dealing with a winter storm that isn’t compounded with a cold snap, it can still cause power outages. This can cause gas furnaces and the water to shut off and, if the water is not flushed out of the pipes, they can easily freeze, leading to bursts.