PCI Newsletter - Winter is Coming

Winter is Coming

Tips on Winterising Your Home to Protect Pipes, Avoid Heat Loss

By Alex Marquez - Technical Writer

February 13-17, 2021 brought a winter storm to the southern half of the nation not seen since the 1980s. Thousands in Texas experienced the week with several feet of snow, power outages, and business closures. In the weeks afterwards, insurance companies would see a rise in claims for interior water damage due to pipe bursts. Homes and residences wouldn’t be able to make these repairs due to pipe shortages. All in all, winter storm Uri proved that residents in Texas were woefully unprepared for the ice and snow.

Although little can be done to ensure the Texas power grid can sustain another winter blast, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for the months ahead.

Protect the Pipes

As Texans learned nearly two years ago, the biggest threat to your home during the winter is hidden within the walls. Protect your interior piping system by properly insulating portions that can be susceptible to freezing. Exposed pipes should be protected before the first day of freeze, where the temperature falls below 32°F. Pool noodles and zip ties can be found for cheap at your local dollar store and used to insulate exterior and in-ground spouts, as well as indoor piping that is exposed to the cold in your attic and/or basement. Check that the condensate lines and/or drain lines of your air conditioner unit are also properly insulated and protected from the cold air.

Clean the Gutters

While it’s important to maintain your home’s gutters so water can be redirected away from the foundation of the house in the spring, gutters should be checked for proper drainage in the winter to prevent water/ice build-up. An ice dam forms when there is a buildup of ice in your gutters that prevents water from flowing off your roof and instead causes it to pool and refreeze. If the water doesn’t refreeze, it seeps into your roof and causes water damage.

Before the first freeze of the season, be sure to remove any dirt, debris, or leaf build-up in your gutters. Flush out the gutters with water to ensure that all obstructions are removed.

Seal Up Air Leaks

The easiest way to experience heat loss in your home is through holes and cracks in the doors and windows. Inspect window and door frames for gaps or drafts. Use caulking around windows, weather stripping around doors, and check that the flue to your home’s chimneys are closed when not in use.

Prepare the Heating System

Once you’ve checked that heat loss is minimal, it’s time to check your actual heating systems. Whether your heating system runs on gas, electricity, or firewood, it’s always best to do an inspection of your system before you hit a time in the year where you’re entirely dependent on it. Furnaces, boilers, and chimneys should be serviced once a year, especially after they’ve gone without use for an extended period of time.

In addition to that, inspect your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they have fresh batteries and are operating properly.

Clear the Yard

Preparing your home for winter also extends to the yard surrounding your house. If there are trees around the roof, have them trimmed from any weak or dead branches. Ice or snow build-up can cause limbs to break and fall, potentially damaging your roof, car, or people.

Cover plants that can be damaged from a hard freeze, or move potted plants inside. Salt sidewalks and driveways to prevent ice build-up and/ or slips and falls. Once the exterior piping of your home has been covered, store any hoses in the garage or shed to prevent freeze damage to them.

Winterising your home doesn’t just protect the home while you cozy up inside, but also while you’re away for extended trips. Prior to travelling, be sure to shut off water and heating to prevent pipe freezes or gas leaks. Have a neighbor or friend regularly check the home for any issues while you’re away. Doing the little things now can ensure you don’t spend the holiday season more stressed than you need to be.