Holiday cheer was put on ice for one Virginia family when they returned home from an extended Christmas vacation to find multi-floor water damage from a burst pipe in the attic. As in many newer homes, the hot water tank was located in the attic. A pipe leading to the tank had frozen and burst in the cold snap, causing extensive water damage on the second and first floors, resulting in $100,000 in losses.

Even with the thermostat set in the 50s and sink cabinets left open, pipes in the attic can still freeze. Hot water tanks often are installed in attics to enhance the square footage of living spaces.

Whether you’re preparing for a warm winter when temperatures can drop suddenly or doing cold-weather preparations year-round, VFBMIC’s property experts recommend taking these precautions:

• If living in a newly constructed home, note the location of your hot water heater. If it is in the attic, bump the thermostat into the 60s when leaving town.
• Have a neighbor, friend or family member periodically check on your house when out of town. The same goes for secondary homes that are inhabited sporadically.
• Let faucets drip during extreme cold and insulate pipes that are most susceptible to freezing, such as those running along exterior walls.
• Inspect and replace weather stripping, if necessary, and caulk around windows and doors to ensure your home’s interior stays cozy when temperatures plummet.
• If a snowstorm hits, use a snow rake to promptly remove accumulated snow and take steps to prevent ice dams—thick ridges of ice that build up along a roof edge—to prevent roof damage.
• Perform routine roof maintenance throughout the year, inspecting and repairing any damage to fortify your home against winter-weather disasters and extend the life of your roof.

Along with taking these precautions, it’s imperative to have homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance protects more than just your house; coverage includes your belongings and the costs of repairs or rebuilding in a range of disasters. Request a free quote or reach out to an agent today to get customized coverage your home deserves.