Buffalo is known for two things: wings and snow (and maybe less-than-amazing sports teams, but we won’t talk about that). While no one ever complains about too many wings, people do complain about too much snow. Not only are our typical Buffalo snowstorms a hassle to deal with, they can also take a toll on our homes. In that respect, it’s important to take the necessary precautions in order to keep our homes protected from the next snowstorm.
Check your roof
Many roofs in the Buffalo area are built to withstand a good amount of snow. However, even Buffalo homes have their breaking point. In order to prevent your roof from collapsing, you’ll want to make sure that you remove any packed snow that’s accumulated on top of your house. Doing this yourself is dangerous, so it’s best to hire a contractor to do it for you.
And check the trees
Most of us are old enough to remember the October Surprise Storm. In that instance, it wasn’t the snow that damaged our homes, but rather what the snow brought down—trees. In order to prevent a repeat, you’ll want to trim low-hanging branches that could snap and damage your home.
Clean out the gutters
Leaves, sticks, and other debris inside of your gutters can lead to an ice dam—a ridge of ice that prevents melting snow from draining off of your roof. This can cause moisture to seep into your home, which in turn can cause mold and mildew to grow inside. To avoid this, check and clean your gutters throughout the year.
Keep your pipes warm
Frozen pipes can burst, causing extensive damage to your home. While this can be a problem throughout the entire winter season, it can be especially prevalent during winter storms when the temperatures drop or the power cuts out. In order to best protect your pipes, you’ll need to make sure you have the right amount of insulation to keep them warm.
In a place like Buffalo, snow damage shouldn’t be taken lightly. So, whether you need to protect or fix your home from snow damage, be sure to contact Ivy Lea Construction for help.
