Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Home in Snow and Ice Cold Weather Conditions

Winter temperatures forecasted to drop below freezing? Look out! This kind of cold weather demands that homeowners protect or store anything that could be vulnerable to ice cold temperatures. Early freezes can ruin home gardens. Ice and snowstorms require homeowners to have the proper equipment and materials, like sand, shovels and snow blowers and more. When temperatures plunge and stay there, more drastic steps and vigilance may be needed to save your home and belongings. Exposed pipes, equipment and walkways can be severely damaged by prolonged freezing weather and ice. So can gutters, roofs and drainage systems. In crawl spaces exposed to the elements, homeowners need to winterize and insulate pipes and equipment. Water filtration systems can be particularly vulnerable in times of freezing temperatures.

There are plenty of other things you can do as a homeowner to make sure your humble abode is safe and secure during a deep freeze. Make sure you have your furnace inspected at least once a year by a reputable service provider. Make sure you have your chimney cleaned and inspected as well. Be sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Keep your dryer vent cleaned and unobstructed on the outside of house by snow or ice.

Looking for other homeowner tips for keep the deep freeze from ruining your home and garden? Check out these Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Home in Snow and Ice Cold Weather Conditions. Surefire ways to keep ice, snow and sleet from damaging pipes, electrical systems and drainage features during a cold snap.

1. Keep gutters and downspouts cleared of debris and ice. 

First of all, it's important to clean your gutters several times a year. That way when cold rain and ice strike, you don't have to worry about debris blocking the flow. If you spot icicles beginning to form on your gutters and downspouts, it's important to gently and safely break them apart. Use a broom or long pole. Steer clear of the icicles as they fall. These are heavy and can injure adults and children. Some homeowners swear by gutter heaters. Talk to a professional to find out the best solution to preventing ice dams and buildup in your gutters. Or, drop by your local hardware store or home improvement store to consult on ways you can eliminate ice dams in your gutters and downspouts.

2. Remove snow and ice from roof and roof lines. 

If you have a flat roof that's close to the ground and easily accessible, it may be fairly easy to gently rake the snow off the shingles, taking care not to damage the surface. If you have a pitched roof that's holding dangerous amounts of snow, you may need to call a professional for help in clearing the roof line. Sufficient insulation and attic ventilation will prevent your roof from accumulating snow and ice. Some homeowners swear by roof heating systems. Talk to a professional to find out the best solution to preventing ice dams and buildup on your roof.

3. Protect water and drainage systems from snow and ice. 

For example, inspect the drainage lines from your HVAC system to make sure that they are clear. Inspect the drain lines from your water filtration system to make sure they don't freeze in winter months. In most cases, a professional will recommend that you dig a trench at least 6 to 8 inches deep to bury and protect this important drainage line. Remove and store garden hoses and watering systems before the first freeze or winter storm. Drain the spigot, turn off and cover for the winter.

4. Keep walkways and sidewalks free of snow and ice. 

This may mean shoveling these areas a few times during a snowstorm or using a snow shovel to break up ice as it forms. Be sure to use eco-friendly materials, like sand or kitty litter, to make walkways and sidewalks safe for pedestrian traffic. Each winter season, I purchase small tin buckets, scoops and fresh sand from my local hardware store or home improvement center. Once filled, these buckets come in handy when placed on each porch or entryway. I know our US letter carrier appreciates my family's efforts to keep the porch, walkway and sidewalk ice-free and sanded during the wet and, often, icy winter months.

5. Protect decks from snow and ice. 

Decks can and do collapse from the weight of excess snow and ice. Best to keep these wooden structures clear of snow and ice by shoveling several times during a storm or using a snow shovel to break up ice as it forms on these important outdoor areas. Be sure to use eco-friendly materials, like sand or kitty litter, to make the deck pedestrian-friendly during the deep freeze. Don't use salt or chemical de-icers as these may damage the wood or composite material.