Photo by David Blackwell
Winter is here and came with fury. First the clouds dumped snow, then it rained, and the rain turned to ice. Schools closed, the wind instantly stung, and don’t even get started with traffic. Things were not much better at the office or at people’s homes, especially when the power went out in some areas of New York. After prepping for the cold, what should one do during the freeze?
During the Freeze
Prevent ice dams from forming on the lower ledge of a sloped roof by keeping the attic well ventilated. The cooler the attic stays, the less snow and ice will melt from the roof and refreeze on the lower ledges or gutter. Keeping the attic floor well insulated will help prevent the heat within the building from rising into the upper levels of it.
Prevent pipes from freezing by placing insulation sleeves over them so they are not exposed as much to the colder temperatures. Cracks and holes on the outside of the home and in the foundation that are near pipes need to be sealed. If pipes are located in cabinets (like in the kitchen or bathroom), keep their doors open so the pipes are exposed to the building’s heat. Lastly, let the faucet run with a slow trickle of water to lessen the likely hood of water freezing in the pipes.
Review your insurance policy to see if your building is protected should there be water damage.
