As we move into the early months of a new year, many of us are waiting hopefully for the first sign of some warmer weather. What a lot of people forget is that even though we traditionally think of January, February and March as Springtime, it actually isn’t according to the meteorological calendar. The season of spring only really begins on the 1st of March, meaning we can’t expect the weather to really heat up until much later in the year. So, if temperatures are still going to be very cold for up to three months after Christmas, how can we make sure our homes are protected? Freezing temperatures can severely damage our properties if we don’t take the correct precautions, and no one wants to face a huge repair bill right after Christmas. Here are some of the problems that icy weather can pose to your home and what you can do to keep you and your family safe.
Structural damage
When the temperature outdoors fluctuates hugely, it can put a lot of strain on the structure of our home. One aspect of most modern builds this can affect are the foundations. As soon as the temperature reaches freezing point, ice can gather underneath the concrete foundation and this can produce frost heave. Frost heave is when the ice begins to move the soil around. The problem with developing frost heave in your foundations is that once is thaws, it can cause huge movements to the structure. Worst case scenario is that this can lead to the ground collapsing. Of course, ice and frost is simply a part of nature, so we cannot stop it happening completely. But you can reduce the risk by reducing the amount of water in your soil with mulch, or by reinforcing the structure with steel beams.
Burst pipes
Many of us tend to take our home’s heating system for granted, and only miss it once it’s gone or broken. One of the most common issues people face with their homes during a spell of cold weather is a burst pipe – or worse, multiple burst pipes. Burst pipes happen when the water running through them freezes and expands, thus causing a build-up of pressure. The results can be devastating, especially during a time where it is vital that you and you family keep warm, so try to prevent it happening at all. Investing in a product like 6water pipe heat tape could save you a lot of money and hassle in the future.
Gutters and drains
The outside of your home can all fall victim to issues brought on by cold weather. The water in your gutters and drains can easily freeze and thus cause a blockage, so make sure they are fully cleaned before such a low temperature arrives. There is also the risk of falling on slippery driveways and steps – more accidents than you would think happen before a person has even got off their property! Spray ice repellent and scatter salt on any potentially dangerous areas to make sure everyone stays safe.
