Each year when October rolls around many are amazed to realize another year has clicked by and winter will soon arrive. Many love the heat of summer, especially in western Nebraska, where the humidity is relatively low. But for others, autumn is a favorite time of year. There is something about the combination of elements coming together to create the precursor of winter that people find appealing. It is the time of year the ag community reaps the fruits of their labor, discovering at harvest whether or not all the fretting was worth the sleepless nights. Autumn lovers enjoy the changing of colors, the smells, the way many afternoons are still warm enough to go outside without a jacket but the sure need for a coat in early dawn hours. It is also a reminder of the cold days that will soon follow. We are tempted to forgo winter preparations for a few more days, but in Nebraska, snow and ice can seemingly appear out of the blue. It is a reminder of the old phrase, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today!” Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences on your home. The time to winterize is when the leaves begin to turn and not when the snow begins to fall.
Following are some great reminders of home preparations in anticipation of winter:
Maintain Gutters
Remove leaves, acorns, sticks and other debris from gutters so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent “ice damming”–a condition where water is unable to properly drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls. You may also consider installing gutter guards. Available in most hardware and home stores, gutter guards are screens that prevent debris from entering the gutter and direct the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
Trim Trees and Remove Dead Branches
Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break, damaging your home, car or injuring someone walking on your property.
Check Insulation
Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic it can cause snow or ice to melt on the roof. The water re-freezes causing more snow and ice to build up. This can result in a collapsed roof, and can contribute to ice damming. Ideally, the attic should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes from freezing.
Maintain Pipes
Wrap pipes with heating tape and insulate unfinished rooms such as garages that frequently have exposed pipes. Also, check for cracks and leaks. Have minor pipe damage fixed immediately to prevent much costlier repairs in the future.
Keep the House Warm
The temperature in your house should be at least 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees will not keep the pipes from freezing.
For a more complete list go to one of our websites: JG Elliott & McBrayer Insurance Centers. Protecting People’s Stuff…It’s what we do!
