Preparing For Winter Storms

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

With winter right around the corner, it’s going to be a smart practice to ensure that both the exterior of your home or business and the surrounding landscaping are ready for the cold winds, snow, and ice that winter can bring us here in Middle Tennessee. Being prepared will mean lower energy costs, increased efficiency of your appliances and other components, and a high level of safety for loved ones, friends, and clientele.  

Here are some things to think about as you are preparing for winter storms: 

Windows and Doors. The windows and doors of your property are always a vulnerable spot during heavy weather of any kind, and winter is no exception. Some steps you can take are:

• Check all weatherstripping and replace damaged items to avoid any loss of heat. 
• Replace doors and windows with storm-proof versions.
• Repair or replace wooden window frames if signs of rot or decay are evident. 
• Caulk windows and doors inside and out to be sure there will be no drafts. 

Landscaping. This is an important area to consider ahead of bad weather; ice and high winds can turn any weak or dead tree branch into a dangerous thing:

• Overgrown branches should be trimmed back from any building and its electrical wires. This guards against loss of power or property damage caused by icy or wind-blown branches during a storm. 
• Clean and dry deck furniture and use a heavy covering if it is stored outdoors. You may want to store items like this indoors ahead of high winds or tornadic activity for safety.  
• All your clay planters and pots won’t last well during winter, so empty them and bring them indoors. Now is the time to dig up your bulbs, remove the loose soil, and label them for spring. They should be kept in a bag or a box with peat moss in a cool and dry location until planting season. 
• Make sure all outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads are drained to guard against burst pipes. Store them in a place where they won’t be destroyed by ice.  
• Look for decay, insect damage, or splintering in your deck to prevent further deterioration, and clean away leaves and dirt from between the boards so that mold has nowhere to establish itself.

Fireplaces and HVAC. Your heating systems will need to be in the best condition possible ahead of the entire winter storm season: 

• Inspect your fireplace, chimney, and flue system to ensure they are clean of soot or creosote and look for any cracks that could cause a fire hazard, and be aware of drafts. If you find a cold draft even when the damper is closed, the damper itself may be warped, worn, or rusted. You will want to fix this issue before winter storms. 

• Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.

• Check to make sure that all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.

• If you have an older thermostat, consider replacing it with a programmable unit; this can often bring pretty large savings in energy costs during cold weather. 

• Make sure fans are switched to the reverse or clockwise position, which will blow warm air down to the floor for enhanced energy efficiency and comfort. You will be warm and snug during any winter storm!

Always remember that the team here at SERVPRO of North Nashville is always here to lend a hand if you need help preparing your property for seasonal weather.  We are experts when it comes to recovery and repair from damage due to flooding, fire, or accidents, and our team has the expertise and skills necessary to complete your projects quickly and professionally. We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too; ask us how!