Despite the fact that we are moving faster and faster away from Winter – don’t get mistaken, it is still going to get very, very chilly on occasion. Weather works on a law of averages, and the temperature simply increases a bit, by bit as the world turns. We simply won’t heat up overnight, but it might feel like that.
That all being said, your house is still going to be threatened by the deep chill on occasion, and that can present many inconveniences to life in the home.
For example, pipe freeze. The water pipes that run around the exterior of your home could freeze for a number of reasons – the main one being that it’s cold – but if you live in warmer climates, your pipes won’t be insulated against the cold since it’s a rare occurrence. This means that when the freezing cold dips do occur, your water pipes are going to freeze. The clear problem with a frozen pipe is how it can restrict your access to water. Now – this is a major problem for anyone living or owning a home as running water is the basis of many household tasks – let alone drinking it! When the water in the pipe freezes, a secondary and larger problem opens up; the pipe will burst. When the water in the pipe freezes over, this can expand the pipe and create pressure buildup in your water system. This sort of blockage can cause your frozen water pipes to explode. What does this mean? Well, for one thing, it means that you won’t be able to access water. Huge problem. Thankfully, there is no end to the options that can help thaw your frozen pipes including this nifty pipe freezing defeater. Frozen pipes are going to put an end to your lifestyle in the house, so beat it away with urgency.
Water itself is a huge issue in the cold. Any water or spill on the exterior of your property – a path for example – is going to freeze over causing a major hazard. Employ an extra degree of caution in the cold and be sure to clear up spills and tread carefully. You can get rock salt to fight ice on your path – but be sure to keep your dog away from it as it will slice the soft pads on their paws.
Your gutters are in danger from the high winds as well. Debris can easily clog your gutters meaning your roof will struggle to rid itself of water and in the cold, this can mean that an ice dam can construct itself out of the water being trapped. This is a serious problem and in the worst case scenario – it can lead to a buildup of water so large that the roof collapses or at the very least leaks through. The ice dam forces water back onto your roof so make sure you take care to clear your gutters. Just look up every once in a while to ensure there are no drainage problems. It takes a few seconds to spot and it will save weeks of hassle.
The cold turns water into a serious weapon. Stay vigilant and pay attention to the temperature. Even as we head into Spring, it’s going to be colder than you may realize.
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