Keep the Cold Out

As the cold weather hits your hometown, you should take a few precautionary steps to ensure that cold weather stays outside your home.

“We see a lot of water claims during the winter months because Policyholders don’t take the time to prepare their homes for the change of weather,” says Scott Huber, vice president and manager, Property and Subrogation Claims.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offers the following weatherproofing tips.

Eliminate Ice Dams

Ice dams are caused when heat from the home melts ice on the roof which in turn runs down and refreezes at the roof’s edge, where temperatures are much cooler. Eventually the ice will build up and keep water from draining off of the roof. This forces the water under the roof and inside your home.

To eliminate ice dams:

• Keep the attic well ventilated — the colder the attic, the less melting and refreezing that will occur.
• Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat that rises up to the attic from the house.
• Eliminate any recessed light fixtures near the roof to avoid additional heat that may melt the snow.
• If redoing a roof, talk to your contractor about installing a water-repellent membrane under your roof covering.

Prevent Freezing Pipes

When the water in a pipe freezes, it can explode and cause significant damage to the interior of your home. Pipes that run along exterior walls and in attics and crawl spaces are the most vulnerable. To keep your pipes free of ice and freezing water:

• Place insulation sleeves over exposed pipes to slow heat transfer.
• Seal cracks and holes in the outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, especially in bathrooms and in the kitchen.
• Drain pipes if your house will be unattended during cold periods.
• Keep the house heated to a minimum of 65 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. Some home security systems will alert you if your home drops below 55 degrees.

For more information, refer to the IBHS Web site. The Insurance Information Institute also offers tips for winterizing your home.

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