As winter approaches, you’ll want to make sure your home is sufficiently insulated against the oncoming cold. Winter brings the threat of pipe bursts, ice dams, and other serious issues but a little preparation can help prevent those potentially disastrous problems.

Pipe bursts occur when the water in a pipe freezes and begins to exert pressure on the inner wall of the pipe. Over time, that pressure can make the pipe burst, and cause water to flow out of the opening and into your home. The best ways to prevent this problem are to make sure that your pipes are in good shape and that they are protected from the freezing temperatures outside.

Here are some tips for preparing your home for winter:

  • Protect vulnerable pipes with heat tape from Heat Trace Specialists. Are there any areas of your home that get especially cold during winter? If so, those are the first places you should insulate. Other potential problem areas include pipes that run above your garage or along the outside wall of your home.
  • Remove all garden hoses from outside faucets before temperatures drop. Otherwise, the water will freeze in the faucet and cause major problems. We also recommend installing an insulated cover for the faucet that will help prevent freezing. These can be found at most home improvement stores.
  • Prevent roof and gutter damage by installing heated roof panels, snow and ice sensors, and other helpful tools. Ice dams and other issues can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your roof and to the inside of your home, so it’s important to stop such problems before they start.

Winter doesn’t have to be stressful. Taking steps to prepare your home before winter starts can help save a lot of stress during the cold months. For more information about preparing your home for winter, contact Heat Trace Specialists at (877) 244-1055.