What Happens after the Storm? Winter Clean Up Tips

We’ve had our fair share of extreme winter weather this year! All the snow, wind and freezing temperatures can take a toll on your home, causing damage and even creating bigger problems. Many homes in the Wellesley real estate market have been hit hard over the last few months.

But, with some simple maintenance tips you can get your home in good repair again so it will look its best this spring.

Rake Your Roof

Snow accumulations on your roof are very heavy and can cause it to break, rain gutters to tear and lead to water damage. The best way to avoid these kinds of problems is to rake your roof.

Roof snow rakes have a long handle and a hoe-like scraper on one end. Use one to reach a few feet past your gutter and then carefully pull the rake toward you, pulling the snow with it. Be careful of falling icicles and don’t stand too close to your roof while you use a roof snow rake.

Remove Icicles from your Roof and Rain Gutters

Icicles are beautiful, but they can also be a sign of ice dams, which can cause significant damage to your roof. Heavy ice can bend and break your rain gutters and ice dams can cause water damage. If the icicles are low, you can pull them from your roof while wearing gloves. If they are higher, use a roof snow rake to knock them down. Again, don’t stand directly under your roof as you do this.

Thaw Frozen Pipes

If your pipes freeze, you could be facing pipe damage and even flooding. In most cases, you’ll know right away if your pipes are frozen because you will notice lower water pressure. You can also visually inspect your pipes to look for frost or ice. 

In cases where you can’t find the frozen pipe or it is broken, call a plumber immediately. If the pipe isn’t broken, open cupboard doors to expose it to the warm air in your home. You can also set up an infrared light to thaw it out.

Check for Loose Shingles

Heavy snow and strong winds can damage your shingles. When you are able to, check your roof for broken or missing shingles. If you aren’t able to safely inspect your roof, contact a professional who can identify and repair any problems.

Remove Snow from Boughs

When heavy snow builds up on branches, they are at risk of snapping and breaking. This is especially dangerous if the branches are close to your windows or home. Use a snow shovel to shake snow loose to avoid broken boughs.

Shovel Walkways and Scatter Salt

Wooden porches and decks are prone to water damage and concrete can crack and form potholes if snow and ice is left to stand for long periods of time. When the storms pass, shovel snow away and don’t forget to use salt to make the area safe!

These tips can help you get your home back into shape after this harsh winter and even avoid more damage. Visit the Christine Norcross & Partners website for more tips on cleaning up after a storm and making your home attractive, no matter the weather, as you prepare to sell it. Contact Christine Norcross at 781-929-4994 if you are interested in listing your Wellesley home for sale.