Winter Home Protection Checklist

In West Virginia, we’re no strangers to the annoyances and dangers associated with winter weather storms. Whether the cause is a burst pipe or downed power line, dozens of property damage emergencies occur each year to the homes of Morgantown, West Virginia residents and those in surrounding areas.

In order to best prepare your home for storms and harsh temperatures that lie ahead, consider creating a winter weather checklist to keep your family and your home safe.

• Inspect Your Roof

  Inspect your roof for any damaged shingles or tiles before winter storms approach. A faulty roof could be hazardous for your home if you’re not sure to have it checked before cold temperatures occur. And if you find any holes or bent and broke shingles, be sure to fix it or get in touch with an emergency construction company to do it for you as soon as possible.

• Clear Roof of Tree Branches and Leaves

  Be sure to check for and remove any tree branches that are dangerously close to power lines. Overhanging branches also give more access to wildlife to enter your home. Also clear your roof of any excess amount of wet leaves, which leaves your home vulnerable to moisture, water damage or mold damage.

• Avoid Burst Pipe

  One of the most common winter weather emergencies that the construction specialists at Crossroads Property Rescue encounter each winter is burst pipe. Burst pipes occur when water inside pipes begins to freeze and expand, exerting pressure on the inner wall of the pipe and, in some cases, causing the pipe to break. When the ice in a burst pipe thaws, it can flood your home and cause large-scale damage if not treated immediately. To avoid this dilemma, consider wrapping more exposed pipes in insulated covering. Also be sure to know ahead of time where your shut-off valve is located just in case your pipes burst—cutting off the water supply in this type of emergency may save your home from both water and mold damage.

• Seal Off Drafts

  This is the perfect time to check for drafty areas in your home. If you sense any air is making its way through your windows or doors, be sure to place caulk or weather stripping around them to eliminate the drafts.

  If you need help protecting your home from harsh winter weather or need the aid of a professional in the case of a fire, water, or mold emergency, call the experts at Crossroads Property Rescue today—we’re here to help.