Blizzards

When heavy snow is in the forecast, you stock your pantry and get ready to hunker down. But do you think about how your home will fare? Between low temperatures and high snowfall, blizzards can do a number on your home. Here’s how to prevent it.

• Clean and inspect gutters before winter to prevent ice dams. The Chicago Tribune notes adding gutter guards can greatly reduce the debris that collects. If you decide to go that route, think about what kind of debris is typically in your gutters, like pine needles versus leaves, since different types of gutter guards do better with certain types of debris.
• Protect pipes from freezing by installing pipe insulation on exposed pipes in crawl spaces and attics and opening cabinet and closet doors so heat can reach exposed plumbing. For added protection, turn faucets to a slow drip to prevent freezing, and keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even if no one is home.
• Know your roof’s load-bearing capacity. If snowfall exceeds it, use a roof rake rather than climbing on the roof. Keep in mind that aging roofs may not have the same load-bearing capacity as when they were new. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, schedule a roof inspection before winter. Even if a blizzard doesn’t hit, roof repairs will improve your home’s value if you decide to sell in the future. Redfin notes that on average, repairing a roof nets homeowners $2,800 more than selling as-is.