Ways to Avoid Winter Damage To Your Home This Season

By: Marshall Loeb: The Wall Street Journal Online
The chill, snow, ice and wind can wreak havoc to your residence's exterior and heating and plumbing systems. Marshall Loeb outlines a few simple steps to protect your house from the elements.

This year, as Jack Frost starts nipping at your nose, remember that he's also nipping at your house, which could force you to make some costly repairs.

Here are some ways to protect your home from winter damage due to chill, snow, ice and wind:

    • Clean your gutters. Melting snow and ice should be able to flow freely to the
      ground. If the freezing water's path is disrupted - a condition called ice
      damming - it may seep into your house.

    • Trim overhanging, damaged or dead tree branches. Accumulation of snow or ice
      on branches, or even strong winds, can cause weak limbs to break. Ice-covered
      limbs can be particularly damaging to your home or car - and dangerous to you.

    • Maintain the temperature. Keep your thermostat at 65 degrees or higher.
      Although you can save on your energy bill by holding your thermostat a few
      degrees lower than you normally might, temperatures below 65 degrees will make
      your pipes vulnerable to freezing.

    • Check your plumbing. Before it gets too cold, inspect your pipes for cracks,
      leaks or other damage. Learn how to shut the water off so that you can limit
      the damage in the event of a frozen or burst pipe.

    • Inspect heating systems. Be certain your home's heat sources - including the
      furnace, fireplaces and stoves - are working properly.