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Winter Weather Safety for Your Buffalo/Tonawanda Home: Protecting Your Property in Northern New York | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda
1/8/2025 (Permalink)
Winter Weather Safety: Safeguard your Buffalo-Tonawanda home this winter with SERVPRO's expert tips!
Northern New York, particularly Buffalo and Tonawanda, is no stranger to harsh winter weather. Lake-effect snow, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions can create challenges for homeowners, leading to property damage if not properly addressed.
At SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda, we understand the risks associated with winter in this area and are here to help you prepare your home for the season. With a little preparation, you can protect your property from the potential damage that comes with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and ice storms.
One of the most significant challenges for homeowners in Buffalo, Tonawanda, and the surrounding areas is the lake-effect snow. This phenomenon occurs when cold winds pass over the warmer waters of Lake Erie, resulting in intense snowfalls, sometimes in just a few hours. These heavy snowfalls can accumulate quickly, putting stress on your roof, gutters, and foundation.
To protect your home, it’s important to regularly remove snow from your roof, especially after significant snowstorms. Accumulating snow can add weight, potentially leading to structural damage or ice dams. Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts, refreezes along the eaves, and blocks the flow of water, which can cause leaks inside the home. To prevent ice dams, ensure that your attic is properly insulated to prevent heat from escaping and melting the snow. Additionally, clearing snow from gutters can help prevent blockages that could lead to ice buildup.
If you live in an area prone to lake-effect snow, be proactive about snow removal from walkways, driveways, and roofs to reduce the risk of injury or damage. Consider installing a snow-melting system for driveways and walkways, or at least invest in a high-quality snow blower to manage the snow accumulation more efficiently.
Freezing temperatures in Northern New York are a common occurrence during the winter months, and they bring their own set of challenges. One of the most frequent issues is frozen pipes, which can burst and cause significant water damage to your home. Since many homes in Buffalo and Tonawanda may not be as insulated as those in colder regions, the risk of frozen pipes is higher.
To prevent freezing pipes, start by insulating exposed pipes in areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Foam pipe insulation is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce the chances of your pipes freezing. During extreme cold spells, allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving and reduce the chance of freezing. Opening cabinet doors under sinks will help warm air circulate around pipes, particularly those along exterior walls. These simple steps can save you from dealing with the headache of burst pipes and water damage.
During the frigid winters of Buffalo and Tonawanda, a working heating system is essential for keeping your home safe and comfortable. However, if not properly maintained, heating systems can fail, leading to chilly indoor temperatures or even health and safety hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks.
Before the cold weather sets in, it’s important to have your heating system inspected by a professional. Ensure that your furnace or boiler is running efficiently and that air filters are clean. Consider cleaning your ducts to improve airflow and indoor air quality. If you use a fireplace or space heaters, have them inspected for safety and ensure there are no obstructions in the chimney. Regular maintenance of your heating system will keep your home warm, reduce energy costs, and prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need heat the most.
While Northern New York winters can be beautiful, they also bring significant challenges. Lake-effect snow, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions all require careful preparation to avoid damage and ensure the safety of your home. By following preventive measures such as removing snow from your roof, insulating pipes, and maintaining your heating system, you can protect your property and avoid costly repairs.
At SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda, we are committed to helping homeowners in our community stay safe during winter. If you experience damage from winter weather, such as frozen pipes, roof leaks, or heating system failures, our team is here to help.
Contact us today for professional restoration services to get your home back to normal quickly and efficiently. Stay warm, safe, and prepared this winter!