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5 Things Every Homeowner Should Watch for this Winter

Image courtesy of Steven Guzzardi/Flickr.

Image courtesy of Steven Guzzardi/Flickr.

With the snow, ice and cold temperatures that come with the winter months, there are a few things you, as a homeowner, should watch for. Harsh winter conditions can cause damage to the exterior of your home, inside of your home and appliances and systems. If you watch for these five things during the winter, you can catch a problem before it gets out of control, making necessary repairs and preventing more damage.

Damaged or Missing Roofing Pieces

Winter storms can take a toll on roofing and shingles, so keep an eye out for leaks in your ceiling. When the weather warms up again, inspect your roof to make sure it is still in good condition and repair broken areas and replace shingles where needed. Roofing that is in good repair not only keeps your home and family dry, but it also helps your heating system work well as it doesn’t allow warm air to leave the home.

Clogged Rain Gutters

If your yard has lots of tall trees, your rain gutters could easily become clogged, causing them to be less effective. In the winter as snow falls and melts on your roof, it can cause damage if it can’t freely flow from your rain gutters. Keep an eye on your gutters to make sure they are clear of sticks, leaves and other debris.

Basement Flooding

While basement flooding is more typical in the spring, it can happen any time during the winter. Watch for things like damp walls, cracks or water stains that could warn of an impending flood and make sure your sump pump is in good repair. You can also avoid the risk of basement flooding by making sure the ground outside your home slopes away from your foundation.

Frozen Pipes

Most of us have had to deal with frozen pipes at some time or another. If you notice a decrease in water pressure or frosty or icy pipes, take action right away. If the pipe isn’t damaged or bulging, you can use a blow dryer or slowly thaw the pipe out. If the pipe is damaged or bulging, call a plumber to thaw and repair the pipes. We offer frozen pipe repairs on Long Island, and can help you get your system running smoothly again, no matter how cold it is outside.

Cracked Window and Door Seals

Cracked window and door seals can bring a cold draft inside and can even increase your utility bills. When colder air is able to make its way inside, you will likely turn up your heater to compensate, which could cost you more money each month. Check all of your seals to make sure they are intact and repair any cracks you find.

Keep the holiday season merry and bright by watching for these signs of damage and making repairs as soon as possible. We specialize in frozen pipe repairs on Long Island and provide 24-hour emergency service, so contact us with your plumbing needs this winter.

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