Winter in NYC can be extreme. Mother Nature definitely plays by her own rules and there is no way to predict the effects of winter weather in our area. Freezing cold temperatures, ice, and snow during the winter can put your home or business at risk for damage.
Here are some things to watch out for this winter:
- Frozen Pipes – Pipes can crack and burst when cold temperatures cause the water inside to freeze. A slow drip on the coldest nights will reduce pressure in the water system. This means that even if a pipe freezes, it will likely not rupture. The best faucet to leave dripping is the one that is the furthest away from the main pipeline that brings water into your house. This will allow more pipes to receive the benefit of the drip. Protect outdoor water spigots by disconnecting all garden hoses from spigots. If possible, shut down the water supply for outside spigots and drain the remaining water. You can also place an insulated dome around each spigot for further protection.
- Roof Damage – There are several ways your roof can be damaged during the winter so keep a close eye on it. Watch out for high winds from winter storms that can loosen shingles. Ice dams can cause water to permeate into your home. And worst of all, the weight of heavy snow and ice can cause your roof to collapse. Use proper insulation in the attic to keep the temperatures regulated. Also, make sure your roof vents and other forms of ventilation are in good condition and are not blocked by insulation or other items in your attic. To prevent the buildup of snow and ice, use a roof rake with a telescoping handle.
- Driveway or Sidewalk Damage – It is important to keep your sidewalks and driveway clear of ice and snow to prevent slip and falls, but the question is how to do that without damaging the concrete. Of all the common de-icers on the market, tests have shown that calcium chloride is the least harmful to concrete. But it is corrosive to metal and can be damaging to plants if over applied so use caution. Magnesium chloride, a similar compound, absorbs moisture, is less corrosive and safer on concrete and plants, and is becoming more readily available.
- Fire Damage – Many home heating fires occur every winter in NYC. To prevent fires, have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected each year. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from all heating equipment. This includes furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and portable space heaters. Always use a fire screen or fireplace doors to contain sparks from your fireplace. While asleep or when you leave home, extinguish all fires and unplug all heating appliances.
- Damage Caused by Trees – Before winter storms approach, remove any dangerous or dangling tree branches near your home. Branches that are loaded with snow and ice can easily break causing damage.
At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. We hope these tips will keep your home safe and warm this winter. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!
