How to Prepare Your Branchburg Home for Winter Storms

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

Example of storm damage restoration in Somerset County, NJ

Are you ready for winters storm damage?

Winter is coming, and along with it, the promise of cold winds, ice, and snow hang in the air. Winter storms and extreme cold can cause untold damage to your home and surrounding property, but pre-season prep can make all the difference. Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County give you some tips to prepare your home for winter storm damage. 

Clean Gutters

Clean out your gutters while preparing for a winter storm. If your gutters are housing piles of leaves, sticks, and other debris, there’s a bigger risk of them falling off of your home with the added snow and ice. Protecting your gutters is also protecting your home from mold, mildew, and other water damage. 

Extend Downspouts

Extending downspouts will prevent pools of water, ice, and any debris from sitting stagnant around the foundation of your home, causing severe water damage. 

Tree Removal

If you have old trees close to your home, you may want to consider getting them removed ahead of the winter season. One nor’easter is all it takes for the tree to fall into your home. Even if your trees are appropriately far from the house, be sure to trim any daunting branches too close for comfort before the wind does it for you.

Battery Powered Smoke/Carbon Detectors

Having battery powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential to staying safe if your power goes out. In the event that there’s a house fire during a winter storm, these detectors will work in alerting you, as opposed to the hardwired detectors which will no longer be powered.

Chimney Cleaning

Cleaning your chimney is extremely important before the winter months, especially if you depend on it for heat. Ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned by a professional and ready for use before lighting your first fire. Keep in mind that snow and ice can block chimneys vents, and dryer exhausts - so be sure to keep these areas as clear as possible during and after a storm before usage. If they are clogged, there’s a larger chance of a house fire or fire damage.

Caulk Windows & Doors

If your windows and doors could use some re-caulking, now is the time to do it. This will help with any water damage and will keep your home warm and draft-free. If snow is piling up around your home, it could melt and seep through your doors and windows, causing mold, mildew, and other water damage.

Roof Inspection

Before the winter months, be sure to have your roof checked. Snow, ice, hail, and harsh winds are an inevitable part of winter weather. Get your roof inspected for missing shingles, cracks, leaks, etc. before heading into the winter season.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Help Your Recover from Water and Storm Damage

At SERVPRO, we can help you recover from water damage resulting from a winter natural disaster. We’ll take care of plumbing leaks, flooding, roof leaks, sewer or toilet backups, fire damage, and much more. If water damage has already resulted in mold and mildew, we have services and skilled personnel that can be of assistance with mold remediation. We hope this blog helped you learn more about how to prepare your Branchburg home for winter storms.

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (732) 805-9944

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Holmdel/Aberdeen, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, and SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan. 

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”