Ice and snow cause homeowners thousands of dollars in damages each year. Leaks into a home caused by bursting pipes, poorly protected surfaces and ice dams are the most costly.

In order to help reduce the chance of severe damage to your home this winter season, we recommend homeowners take the following precautions:

• Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer. The more insulation the better.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulk.
• Close all outside vents to crawl spaces during the winter season.
• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space or; drain the water system, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.
• Remove garden hoses from outside spigots.  Drain outdoor faucets when freezing temperatures are forecast.
  
  

Some leaks result from the formation of “ice dams,” which are an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof, usually at the gutter.

Home owners can avoid the aggravation and expense caused by leaks and ice dams by taking several additional steps prior to cold weather: 

• Make sure gutters, downspouts and drains in basement stairwells are clear of leaves. 
• Window wells should be working properly and covered, if possible.
• Check the weather stripping around skylights and other roof openings.
• Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles.
• Maintain heat levels, keeping the attic no more than 10 degrees warmer than the outside air and inside the home no lower than 65 degrees.  Add attic insulation if necessary.
• Keep the attic well-ventilated. The colder the attic, the less melting and refreezing on the roof.

And above all, everyone in the home should know how to shut off the main water supply. It is important to shut down the water supply quickly to help minimize damages. You may consider having a plumber install an emergency pressure release valve for your pipes.

Tips from Institute for Business & Home Safety