As fall settles in and winter approaches here in Richmond, Virginia, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to protect your home from potential winter storms. Our recent brush with the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought high winds and heavy rain, leaving many Richmond homeowners with unexpected damage to their roofs, siding, and more. While the tropical storm has passed, it serves as a strong reminder of what could come this winter.
At Handy Home Helpers, we’ve already completed repairs for local homeowners dealing with roof leaks and damaged siding. Winter storms, with their combination of freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and strong winds, can pose a similar threat. Taking preventative measures now can save you from major headaches later. Here’s how to protect your home from the winter weather ahead.
Inspect and Maintain Your Roof and Gutters
Winter storms in Richmond bring a unique challenge—wet, heavy snow that can place a tremendous burden on your roof. Start by inspecting your roof for loose, cracked, or missing shingles. Wind-driven snow and ice can find their way under damaged shingles, leading to leaks that cause internal water damage. Repairing minor roof issues now is far less costly than addressing significant leaks in the middle of winter.
In addition, your gutters play a crucial role in storm preparedness. Gutters clogged with leaves and debris from the fall season can lead to water pooling on your roof, which can freeze and form ice dams. Ice dams prevent proper drainage, causing water to seep into your home. We recommend cleaning your gutters before winter hits, or better yet, consider installing gutter guards to reduce the frequency of future cleanings. If you need assistance with this, our roofing and gutter services are available to help protect your home.
Winterize Your Windows and Doors
Cold drafts coming through your windows and doors aren’t just uncomfortable—they can also raise your heating bills. Properly sealing your windows and doors helps keep the warmth inside and the cold air outside. Weatherstripping and caulking around window frames are effective and affordable solutions that homeowners can tackle themselves or with the help of a handyman.
In addition, check for cracks or gaps in window frames, door thresholds, and even exterior walls. Windows that have cracked seals can let moisture in, causing condensation and even mold growth over time. Handy Home Helpers offers carpentry services to help repair or replace any problematic windows and doors before they become bigger issues this winter.
Siding and Exterior Wall Care
Your home’s siding is its first line of defense against the elements. Winter storms, especially those with strong winds, can tear off or crack siding. If your siding is already showing signs of wear and tear, now’s the time to have it repaired or replaced. In our experience, damage from flying debris during storms is one of the most common issues homeowners face, as we saw with Hurricane Helene. By replacing damaged siding now, you can prevent moisture from entering your home and causing further damage.
Our team recently helped a client repair a section of their siding that had been ripped away by the tropical storm. Addressing these kinds of vulnerabilities early can save you from expensive repairs during the winter months. Take a look at our siding services for more information on how we can help prepare your home’s exterior.
Emergency Preparedness: Backup Power Solutions
Power outages are a common consequence of winter storms. Falling trees, ice build-up on power lines, and high winds can knock out power for hours, if not days. Consider installing a backup generator to keep essential systems like your heating, refrigerator, and lights running during outages. Portable generators can be a temporary solution, but investing in a whole-house generator will ensure your home stays operational through extended outages. You can find portable generators at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s, or reach out to us for advice on installation and power backup systems.
Tree Maintenance for Storm Safety
Richmond is known for its lush trees, but during winter storms, they can become a liability. Heavy snow and ice accumulation can cause branches to break and fall on your home, car, or power lines. Regularly pruning overhanging or dead branches is a must before the winter season hits. High winds, like those we saw during Hurricane Helene, can turn these branches into dangerous projectiles.
If you have large trees near your home, hiring a professional tree service to evaluate and trim them can be a worthwhile investment. This preventive step can reduce the risk of storm damage to your property.
Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Another critical area of focus for winter preparedness is your home’s plumbing. Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months, especially in homes with pipes running through unheated spaces like attics, basements, or exterior walls. Insulating your pipes can prevent them from freezing and bursting during extreme cold snaps, saving you from the nightmare of water damage.
You can find inexpensive pipe insulation at your local hardware store, or if you’re unsure where to start, our plumbing services can help ensure your home’s pipes are ready for winter.
Extra Winter Weather Preparation Tips
Winter storms are unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. Stock up on ice melt, sand, and snow shovels to keep your driveway and walkways clear of ice and snow. Ensure that your home’s heating system is running efficiently with a tune-up from a professional HVAC service. Even small details like replacing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can make a big difference in keeping your home safe during a winter storm.
By taking the time to prepare your home now, you’ll be in a much better position to weather whatever the winter months may bring. Remember, if you need help with any of these tasks, Handy Home Helpers is here to offer guidance and professional handyman services to make your home storm-ready.
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm to address potential problems. Call us today to schedule an inspection or get help with repairs, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected this winter.
With a little preventive care, you can save yourself from bigger headaches (and expenses) down the road. Let us know if you need a hand preparing your home, and check out our blog for more seasonal tips!