As winter settles upon much of North America, many Americans start to think about hunkering down inside their homes and making sure items like securing windows and servicing heaters are checked off their seasonal to-do list. Equally as important but sometimes overlooked is the snow removal that needs to be done regularly once winter arrives.
Your Roof
Ideally, if six inches or more snow falls, you may want to consider having roof snow removal plans in place for two reasons: weight and ice. If a lot of snow accumulates on a roof, the weight of the snow could become too much for the structure to bear and a collapse could happen. While this is not incredibly common, it is possible – especially on flat roofs or roofs with a shallow-pitch. The second reason to remove snow from a roof is for ice dams. Ice dams occur as the snow slowly melts and then refreezes, usually at junction points. As the ice slowly accumulates and ‘dams’ it can cause problems with your shingles, siding, and insulation. As ice melts it can seep into your home as well.
Your Driveway
Removing snow early and consistently from your driveway can help prevent icy buildup from creating hazards for both driving and walking. Additionally, as the snow melts it becomes water that can leak into cracks in your driveway that can cause further issues in the spring. If possible, clear your driveway regularly instead of waiting for the snow to pile up.
Your Ventilation
Even if the piping around your house is typically protected under eaves and awnings, blowing snow can cause drifts that block ventilation. Some important vents to check routinely after the snow falls include your dryer, fireplaces, heating pumps, gas meters and tailpipes on your car. Blockages in these areas can wreak havoc within your home and car and may go unnoticed until a real problem arises.
The maintenance of the outside your home shouldn’t be neglected just because you may not out there as much. Take extra precautions to ensure that you aren’t creating greater problems down the road.