12/20

Winter is a beautiful time of the year. There’s so much to love around the winter season: the magic of snow, enjoying time with family and friends, etc. Unfortunately, winter weather can be hazardous for your home. With that in mind, here are some things you need to watch out for during this beautiful season. 

If you have owned a home for more than a year, you might already know some of the pitfalls of the winter months. For those of you who are going into your first winter or just haven’t had any issues yet, this list is meant for you.

• Mold. While the risk of mold growth exists all year round, winter presents a particularly high risk. When the temperatures drop and everything freezes, it will eventually warm up and unfreeze. This causes condensation, which can happen in places that are hard to notice. Mold, of course, thrives in damp, dark environments, which is exactly what you can have with persistent condensation throughout the house. 
• Frozen pipes. This is a little more obvious. A frozen pipe can burst open, causing a flood in your home. What steps can you take to prevent this potentially costly repair? Drain your pipes, and if you can, insulate the area around your pipes. When the temperature drops, opening your cabinets and letting your faucets drip are two key prevention measures.  
• Overworked heating systems. There are many factors that cause heating systems to work harder than normal. When the temperature really drops, you can find yourself with a large heating bill if you’re not careful. Beyond an expensive bill, there’s also the risk of the system breaking down. Talk about being left in the cold!
• Ice dams. These happen if ice builds up at the edge of the roof, blocking water from draining off of the roof. The built-up water then seeps its way into the house and can cause water damage and mold.

There are preventative measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of these issues and many others that could occur this time of year. Here are just a few:

• Seal air leaks/drafts throughout the house.
• Close the water valves to any pipes that lead to the outside and then drain them of all sitting water.
• Have your HVAC system cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.
• Change air filters every month.
• Remove any snow or ice that builds up on the roof.
• Clean out your gutters.

As daunting as all of this sounds, it is just a part of being a homeowner. Over time, you will get used to it, so don’t let it discourage you. With the risk of complications minimized, you can get back to enjoying the beauty of the season. Our teams hope you have a wonderful winter, and we’re here for you any time for your title and closing needs.