Winter temperatures and storms in Ohio can mean trouble for homeowners. With winter weather on the way, this is a great time to prepare your home for cold and freezing temperatures, as well as snow and ice. Keep the following tips in mind as you winterize your home.

Common Winter Problems

Snow, ice, freezing rain and extreme cold can all cause problems for homeowners during the winter months. Some of the most common problems include the following:

• Gutter problems: Precipitation can accumulate and freeze inside your gutters and cause damage to them, which leaves your home more vulnerable to water and moisture. A buildup of ice can dent your gutters or cause blockages to form inside them. If your gutters aren't able to direct water away from your home, such as when snow or ice melts, the water can end up seeping into your home’s interior, which increases the risk of wood damage and mold growth. You can also develop roof damage when your gutters aren't working properly. 
• Pipe problems: When temperatures fall below zero, especially for several days in a row, this can cause big problems with your pipes. Water inside frozen pipes can end up causing them to burst, leading to extensive water damage. Interior pipes in heated parts of your home are typically not at risk of this. Exterior pipes, pipes in unheated areas and pipes inside outer walls do face a risk of becoming frozen during periods of extreme cold. 

Winterization Tips

You can lower the risk of running into problems this winter by getting your home ready ahead of time. As part of your winterization process, you should do the following:

• Clean your gutters: Keeping your gutters clear of snow, ice and rainwater on a regular basis throughout winter reduces the risk of having accumulations that can cause damage. Keep in mind that your gutters should also be clear of dead leaves and other debris from fall before winter arrives. While cleaning your gutters, check them to make sure that they’re in good condition and properly secured to your home. 
• Insulate your pipes: Take time to insulate pipes that are susceptible to freezing during cold snaps, such as pipes that run along outer walls and pipes in your basement or other unheated areas of your home. You can cover these pipes with insulation sleeves that keep them warm during winter. This is a relatively simple process that involves measuring and cutting these sleeves so that they fit your pipes. Insulating your pipes also helps to keep the water inside them hotter while it runs through your home. 

Check out our other blog posts to get additional tips for the winter season. If you need any plumbing services this winter, give Amanda Plumbing, Sewer and Drain a call.