Freeze the Damage, Not Your Wallet! Winter Fixes You Need Now

Is your home prepared for a Tennessee winter? Everyone loves a cozy blanket, fresh candle, and the heat cranked high when temperatures drop. However, when winter weather strikes, your home may not be as ready as you think! With proper and timely winter maintenance, small issues can be addressed before turning into long-term costly repairs. Tennessee’s rugged winter season arrives with an unmistakable unpredictability. Ensuring your home is winter-weather ready, or 'winterized,' can help prevent costly issues such as decreased energy efficiency, structural deterioration, or water infiltration. Preparation is prevention—read on to discover the signs of winter damage to watch for this season! For more tips on protecting your home, check out our other blog post: Shield Your Sanctuary from Winter: 8 Tips to Safeguard Your Home from the Cold

Roofs and Gutters

Whether the weather stays mild or winter storms surge, roofs take their fair share of risks and damage. Melting snow on roofs can also develop ice dams- formations that can block water from the gutters. This can cause the snow to refreeze along the roof's edge. Water can gradually linger under shingles which can cause leaks and structural, or moisture damage. Cleaning clogged gutters can also benefit a building. Removing debris can prevent water overflow down the siding of the home. Overflow can cause damage to the exterior of the home over time, and could lead to foundation issues if left untreated. 

Exterior and Foundation

Freezing temperatures can also impact a building by altering the foundation or exterior over time. Over time, water can seep in between foundation cracks and freeze, causing these cracks to expand. It’s important to maintain these minor cracks right away to prevent expanding and worsening structural damage. An unsound foundation can also produce cosmetic damage like nail pops or drywall cracks.

Icy weather can also impact windows. As the temperature causes the materials to expand and contract, it can lead to cracks in window seals, water intrusion, and warped frames. While temperatures change in and out of a building, frost can melt into condensation. The condensation, over time can develop into excessive moisture and lead to mold growth, and reduce visibility. The frame can also warp over time due to this combined with changing temperatures.

If a window seal is cracked it will cause drafts resulting in higher heating costs and lower efficiency. Fogging between window panes is usually an indicator of this, and should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent costly repairs. 

HVAC and Plumbing

An essential tool residents use daily is an HVAC unit. From commercial buildings to homes, these machines allow comfort and convenience. Routine maintenance during intermediate seasons like spring and fall is an excellent time to check an HVAC system. During the more intense seasons, if a unit is not maintained it can increase strain on the unit and potentially lead to shut down or malfunction. A breakdown during winter can leave a building without heat, compromising comfort and sometimes safety. With routine maintenance an HVAC system will run efficiently, which will lower energy costs, catch potential issues and improve indoor air quality overall.

After the winter months HVAC systems should be checked to see if there is lasting impact or damage after the season. Clearing debris from the unit and cleaning the components can help reduce risk of clogged ducts and filters. Checking the unit for signs of water damage is critical to ensure the unit remains functional. Signs of rust or corrosion, unusual noises, leaking water, weak airflow, or inadequate temperatures are all indications the unit is not functioning correctly.

Remembering to set aside time for upkeep on a home or building can seem tedious, but the reward outweighs the risks of negligence. Catching potential issues or early damage is a vital step to ensuring a home's safety and the comfort of its residents. Contacting a professional when issues arise is an excellent way to solve problems, receive recommendations, and further invest in your property. Along with ensuring safety and functionality of a building's features, it can also increase curb appeal and property value. Protecting your home or structure today can prevent potential costly repairs and provide a stress-free season ahead!