Overtime winters have become increasingly harsh, and a single winter storm can wreak havoc and cause serious damages.
The best way to prepare for a winter storm is to be properly informed and equipped to handle it. If you want to avoid costly repairs and maintenance costs, make sure that your home is ready for the winter.
Here are a few maintenance tips and things to do in preparation for a winter storm.
- Leave faucets tonight at a very slow drip if you believe freezing could be an issue with your plumbing. 5 drops per minute is advised.
- Run hot water at every faucet just before going to bed. This can help to warm the plumbing in the walls.
- Keep cabinets below sinks open during the night to allow a bit of heat in.
- Turn your heater up a tad extra now before the temperatures drop around midnight. This can help you get through the night if the appliance fails or the power goes out.
- In unheated garages, shut off water to washing machines. Water softeners should be drained and protected from freezing temperatures.
- Keep in mind that plumbers and service personnel are in the same spot we are and often are not able to respond during such events due to safety concerns.
- Finally, it would make sense to fill some water pitchers and or jugs as when the power goes out, sometimes the water does too. It will be important to have drinking water.
- Some folks will fill their tub with water and hold overnight to help with flushing toilets.
Roofs could begin to develop small leaks and such. Please plan to place a bucket or trash can as the roofers are not able to go on the roofs when they are covered in snow.
Furthermore, freezing conditions could lead to the creation of ice dams on your roof. They prevent melting snow from draining properly. In such a case, there’s a likelihood that the water can leak into your roof and cause damage to ceilings, walls, and insulation. In order to prevent ice dams from forming, make sure the entire roof has the same temperature. To do this, simply increase ventilation and add insulation. Also, take all measures to seal off any possible air leaks that might warm the underside of the roof.
Endeavor to check your windows and doors by opening and closing them. Watch out for the gaps between the seals when you close the lock. If you happen to have old windows, you might want to consider adding new weather-stripping. There are a number of options you can choose from.
- Bronze weather-strippings are durable and can last for decades, keep in mind that it can be time-consuming to install.
- Self-stick plastic is another good option. However, they will need to be changed often as they don’t last long.
- You can use adhesive-backed EPDM rubber that meets in the middle; it can last for as long as 10years.
More so, you’ll need to do the same with your doors and check for any possible air leaks. There are a few options you can choose from:
- Foam-tape with an adhesive backing.
- Felt, it is less expensive but it has low durability.
- Tubular rubber, vinyl or silicone; these are quite expensive and tricky to install but will provide a superior seal.
Freezing temperatures can be damaging to your external pipes. This poses a serious problem because frozen pipes can crack, and once they thaw they can release huge quantities of water in a single day. If precaution isn’t taken, this can lead to serious structural damage.
Check all of your pipes for signs of weakness. Look out for moisture on faucets and connectors that can point to wear and tear.
If you find moisture, replace these parts immediately.
Additionally, turn off your external pipes at the mains, and ensure that they’re fully drained. For optimum care, double check a few days later to ensure that all the water has been fully drained.
This is a very real thing here in
Shasta County. Please keep an eye out, and your ears open as falling trees can change the situation quickly. We have reached out to a few tree companies that will be on stand-by for emergencies tomorrow, but just like the plumbers, they are not able to come out in bad weather due to safety. It also may be best to ensure you are not parking a vehicle under any trees.
Redding does not have snow removal companies, so please know we will not be able to help with snow removal.
Lastly, these are a few things to check in preparation for a winter storm.
1) Back up battery lighting.
2) Back up fuel for generators.
3) Extra food provisions.
4) Water.
5) Charge your Cell Phone.
Do you need help with your
Redding Rental's if so we would be glad to chat with you. 530-410-6085
