Summer may have stuck around a little longer than we thought it would, but Northern Michigan’s winter weather is officially here! As we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year, we also need to prepare our properties for the temperature changes that come with it. Here’s how to prevent water damage this winter:

Insulate pipes that are subjected to freezing temperatures.

Basements, crawl spaces, and garages are areas where insulation can be lacking, leading to pipes bursting more frequently.

During hard freezes, keep your faucets dripping to prevent pipes from bursting.

A steady stream of water, paired with opening bathroom and kitchen cabinets, can keep warm air circulating enough to prevent freezing.

Seal gaps and cracks with caulk to prevent cold air from entering the building.

Cold air seepage can bring even well-insulated spaces down to freezing temperatures.

Keep your heat on when you aren’t home, unless you plan on fully winterizing your property.

Keeping your heat at 60 degrees or above can keep your home warm enough to prevent internal freezes during absences.

Disconnect and turn off outdoor faucets.

Don’t forget to remove outside hoses and/or remove/disconnect any faucets that are no longer necessary in the winter.

Rake snow off your roof to prevent buildup and ice damming.

Stay on top of snow removal along your roofline to ensure ice does not damage shingles or let water into your home.

Keep your gutters clean to ensure water can run off and away from your home during periods of melting and freezing.

Clean your gutters at least once a year, before winter, to help prevent the buildup of leaves and debris, which play a significant role in ice damming.

Have someone check on your property during extended absences.

If you do not have friends or family who can check on your home, companies like Bay Area Clean Care have professionals who will periodically check on your property for a fee, and let you know if they see anything suspicious. Should water damage be discovered during the visit, first responders—like plumbers—can be contacted, and mitigation crews can be on-site within a few hours to begin the drying process. Follow these steps in the meantime!

Periodically inspect your ceilings for signs of water damage.

Make sure to look up now and then to check for signs of water damage from roofs or pipes every now and then. If you find damage, follow these steps!

As always, we are here 24/7/365 for the Little Traverse Bay Area and beyond with our emergency response teams and high-tech equipment. If you ever need us or have any questions about how to prevent additional damage like fire, mold, or sewage, check out our other blog posts or give us a call at the office!