Monday, November 11, 2013

Winter Freeze Safety

Dressing for Winter - Wind can pose a hazard to you and your skin during very cold days.  Consider wearing multiple layers of thick clothing.  Since most body heat is lost through the top of your head, be sure to wear a hat and a scarf.

Preventing Frozen Pipes - When the mercury falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the potential for pipes to freeze increases dramatically.  A pipe doesn't necessarily burst the first time it freezes.  Sometimes it takes several freezes and thaws before damage occurs.

Avoiding Ice Dams - Ice dams occur when ice forms on gutters, eaves and valleys of your roof, preventing melting snow and ice from running off.  The water then backs up and seeps under shingles or tiles, and finds its way inside your home.  Keeping your gutters clean and insulating your attic can help prevent ice dams.

CHECKLIST:
1.  Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.
2.  Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape.
3.  Caulk or weather-seal windows to cut down on wind drafts.
4.  Identify areas of heat loss in your attic and insulate.  Wrap or insulate all heating ductwork.
5.  Detach all gardening hoses and shut of water supply to outside.
6.  Try to keep the temperature in your home at 68 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing.
7.  Check water flow from all faucets before retiring for the evening and again in the morning.  Reduced       water flow can be an early sign of frozen pipes.

Photo by Suat Eman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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