Prepare your home for Michigan Snow Storms!

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let snow storm damage get you down. Our experts at SERVPRO NE will make it " Like it never even happened."

Michigan Winters are undoubtedly beautiful, but can also be extremely brutal. From polar vortex’s, black ice, and multiple snow storms, the harsh winters can cause severe damage to our homes. Winter will be here sooner than we think, so it’s best to prepare your home now before the snow hits!

According to the Washington Post, it’s important to paint, caulk, and seal exterior wood before the winter season hits. Typically, the wood trim around doors and windows is only one inch thick and can be ruined pretty quick if not protected. Keeping it painted and calked will prevent it from rotting, but if you’re already past that point, it will require replacement.

Another way to prepare your home for winter is to check your drainage. In doing so, the Washington Post recommends investigating the soil around the foundation to make sure it hasn’t settled or created space for water to gather. If you do find a low spot, filling it with soil is a great wait to prevent water from pooling there. Make sure you inspect your rain gutter downspouts as well to ensure water is moving away from the home. If needed, add downspout extender! Wet soil around a foundation can cause big problems if it freezes and thaws throughout winter months, so don’t forget to check it!

Next on the winter home preparedness list is Cleaning your gutters! When the leaves fall from the trees and land in the gutters, it can cause backups. Backups cause overflows, and overflows cause water to rush down your home and saturated the soil around the house. This can speed up deterioration of the home exterior. Additionally, it can lead to water seeping in through the basement which causes a whole other set of issues.

Our final tip for preparing your home for winter is to insulate your pipes. When the weather gets cold, pipes can freeze and burst. Directenergy.com advises putting insulation on entire length of pipe from the point where your home’s main water line emerges from the ground to the point where it enters the heated space of your home. They also recommend insulating any pipes that are outside the heated portion of your home, like those in attics, unheated basements and outdoor hose bibbs.

For more tips on how to prepare your home for winter, check out our winter safety pinterest board!

https://www.pinterest.com/SERVPROnegrandrapids/winter-safety/

SERVPRO of NE Grand Rapids specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after Storm damage. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

If you need help with cleaning up after Storm damage, call the Professionals at SERVPRO of NE Grand Rapids 24/7 616.647.4300