How to Prevent Winter Storm Damage in Your Sandy Home

1/20/2025 (Permalink)

Prevent Winter Storm Damage in Sandy, UT.

Winter in Sandy, Utah, brings breathtaking snow-capped mountains, holiday festivities, and outdoor adventures, but it also presents unique challenges for homeowners. The winter months can be hard on your home, especially with the possibility of severe winter storms. These storms can bring heavy snow, freezing temperatures, high winds, and even flooding — all of which can cause significant damage if you're not properly prepared.

The good news is that with a little foresight and preparation, you can reduce the risk of winter storm damage to your home. SERVPRO® of Sandy is here to share practical steps that will help you safeguard your property and keep your home safe and dry all winter long.

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof is your first line of defense against the harsh winter weather, so it’s important to ensure it’s in good condition before the snow and ice arrive.

What to do:

• Check for missing or damaged shingles: A damaged roof can allow water to seep into your home, causing leaks and extensive damage to your attic, walls, and ceilings.
  Inspect the flashing around chimneys,
• vents, and skylights: These areas are particularly prone to leaks in winter. Make sure the flashing is secure and intact to prevent water from infiltrating.
• Clean your gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which occur when melting snow refreezes at the edge of the roof, causing water to back up and leak into your home. Make sure your gutters are free of leaves, twigs, and debris so that water can flow freely.
• Trim overhanging branches: Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to break and potentially fall on your roof. Trim any branches that are hanging too close to the roofline.

2. Winterize Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are a leading cause of water damage during the winter months. In Sandy, where temperatures can dip well below freezing, it’s especially important to take precautions to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

What to do:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Insulate these pipes with foam or heat tape to help protect them from the cold.
• Let faucets drip: During extremely cold temperatures, allowing faucets to drip slightly can prevent pressure from building up inside the pipes and potentially causing them to burst.
• Seal air leaks: Check for gaps around windows, doors, and vents that could allow cold air to reach your pipes. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these gaps.
• Shut off exterior water sources: Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes.

3. Prepare for Snow and Ice Removal

Heavy snow accumulation and ice buildup can put a strain on your home’s structure and can also create hazardous conditions around your property. Proper snow and ice removal is key to preventing winter storm damage.

What to do:

• Keep snow from piling up on your roof: If your roof has a steep pitch, it may be difficult to remove snow yourself. If not, use a roof rake with a long handle to carefully remove snow from the eaves. This will help prevent ice dams and reduce the weight on the roof.
• Shovel your driveway and walkways regularly: This will not only prevent accidents but also keep ice from accumulating and causing structural stress on your home.
• Salt or sand high-traffic areas: Use ice melt or sand on your driveway, sidewalks, and steps to prevent ice from forming and creating slippery spots. Be sure to use an ice melt that’s safe for pets and plants.

4. Seal Your Home Against Cold Air

Keeping your home warm during winter storms can be challenging if there are drafts or gaps allowing cold air to infiltrate. Proper insulation and weatherproofing can make your home more energy-efficient, reduce your heating costs, and prevent ice and water damage.

What to do:

• Check for air leaks: Walk around your home and look for gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Seal these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent cold air from getting inside.
• Insulate your attic: Proper insulation in your attic can help prevent ice dams and keep your home warmer during winter storms. If your attic isn’t adequately insulated, consider adding more insulation to improve energy efficiency.
• Replace weatherstripping on doors and windows: If you notice that the weatherstripping around your doors and windows is worn out or cracked, replace it to keep the cold air out and the warmth in.

5. Maintain Your Heating System

Your furnace or heating system is essential for keeping your home comfortable and safe during winter storms. A malfunctioning heating system can lead to frozen pipes, increased risk of fires, and even carbon monoxide poisoning.

What to do:

• Schedule an annual furnace inspection: Before winter sets in, have your furnace inspected and serviced by a professional to ensure it’s working properly.
• Change your air filters: Clogged filters can restrict airflow and cause your heating system to work harder, which could lead to malfunctions or a breakdown. Change your filters regularly to maintain efficient operation.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: The winter months are a time when heating systems can cause hazardous situations like fires or carbon monoxide leaks. Test your detectors and change the batteries to ensure they’re working properly.

6. Prepare for Power Outages

Winter storms can often result in power outages, especially with the added weight of snow and ice on power lines and trees. Preparing for potential outages will help you stay safe and comfortable during the storm.

What to do:

• Stock up on emergency supplies: Keep a supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and other essentials in case of a prolonged power outage.
• Have a backup generator: If you live in an area prone to power outages, consider investing in a backup generator to keep your essential appliances running.
• Unplug electrical appliances: During a power outage, surges can damage electronics. Unplug any sensitive devices to prevent damage when the power is restored.

7. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Finally, it’s important to review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that it covers winter storm damage. Many policies include coverage for snow and ice damage, but you may want to verify this and check for any exclusions or limitations.

What to do:

• Check for adequate coverage: Make sure your policy covers roof damage, water damage from burst pipes, and storm-related damage.
• Consider flood insurance: If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s worth looking into flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies don’t always cover flood-related damages.
  
  Preparing your home for winter storms in Sandy, UT, is essential to preventing damage and keeping your family safe. By taking these preventative measures — from inspecting your roof and gutters to preparing for power outages — you can ensure your home remains secure, warm, and safe through the cold winter months.
  
  In the event that winter storm damage does occur, SERVPRO® of Sandy is here to help with professional restoration services. Whether you need water damage cleanup, mold remediation, or fire damage restoration, our team is ready to restore your home “Like it never even happened.” Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to call us for assistance!