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We are excited to announce that a long time Master Craftsman of our business is now the proud new owner; please join us in congratulating Earl Swader as the new owner of Handyman Connection of Blue Ash.  Earl has previous business ownership already under his belt and is looking forward to continuing to serve the Blue Ash community as the proud owner.

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Home Improvement  /  February 1, 2021

Things To Check In Your Home During Winter

Winter can be harsh not just to humans and animals, but to your home as well. You may have prepared your home for winter, but doing the necessary checks once in a while can help you spot problems before they get worse. Problems, when left unchecked, can result in more costly and more serious ones.

Check your home for these potential damages during winter. You may not be able to repair them immediately because of the weather, but you can do some preventive measures to keep them from worsening. Or you may call an expert if the damage is severe and needs immediate attention, such as weatherization experts and plumbing services.

Check your roof for ice dams

Ice dams form at the edge of your roofas a ridge. This ridge prevents water or melting snow from running off your roof. This trapped water can leak into your home and seep into your ceiling, walls, roof insulation, and even your foundation.

The water that has entered your home can also facilitate the growth of molds and mildew. This can put you and the inhabitants of your home at risk for respiratory illnesses and allergies.

To prevent the formation of ice dams, clear your roof of snow using a push broom or a snow rake. However, if you want to have a permanent solution, you must identify what causes ice dams.

Non-uniform temperatures on the surface of your roof can facilitate the formation of ice dams. The heat escaping from the roof of your home, the snow, and the cold outdoor temperatures all contribute to ice dam formation. The three must be present at the same time. Snow must cover your roof, the lower surfaces must be below freezing temperature, and the higher parts must be above the freezing point. While the snow in the higher portions melts, snow in the lower portions of the roof freezes and forms a dam.

Hiring weatherization contractors can help solve the problem that causes ice dams in your roof. They can locate the parts of your roof where there is much heat loss and correct the situation.

Check for frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are literally a ticking time bomb. Water that freezes in your pipes can expand and exert enough pressure causing the pipes to rupture. Pipes outside your walls, under your sink, in crawl spaces, and near your outdoor faucets are more prone to freezing.

How do you know if you have frozen pipes? If very few drops of water come out when you turn on the faucet, chances are, you have a frozen pipe that blocks the flow of water. You can call a plumber to thaw the ice. You can also take action on your own and locate the frozen pipe.

Shut off your main water valve. Open the faucet thatis connected to the frozen pipe. You can trace back the pipe from the faucet and check if it passes through your outdoor walls or chilly crawl spaces. The pipe that is covered in frost is the pipe that you are looking for. You can heat your home and wait until it thaws, or you can heat the suspected pipe with an infrared lamp. Of course, professional plumbers can do it quicker and more effectively.

Watch your backyard trees

As snow continues to fall, they can settle on tree branches. They can become too heavy and can cause the branches to break off and fall. The closer the tree to your house is, the more dangerous it is for you. To avoid the risk of a branch damaging your home or falling on you, brush off snow from the branches after every snowfall. You can use a broom to reach higher branches. Avoid shaking the tree to shake off the snow. This can cause more brittle branches to inadvertently break off.

This is the reason why tree maintenance is necessary before winter comes. If a tree branch should break and fall during winter, make sure to have it removed and cleared when it is safe.

Clear paths and driveways from ice and snow

Slip and falls become more common during winter. Icy sidewalks and paths become more dangerous for rowdy children and seniors. A slip and fall can result in fractures, spinal cord injuries, and even brain injuries. Keep your driveway and path shoveled and clear of snow and ice. When you go outside, wear anti-slip snowshoes or boots. Avoid running and changing directions quickly.

Everyone wants to stay safe and warm during the winter, but this will require effort. Make sure to check your home for possible problems. Of course, being proactive is always the best route, so do not skip on your maintenance activities before winter comes around the corner.

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