Winter is upon us, and it is important to be vigilant and proactive in preparing your home for seasonal conditions. While we have the utmost confidence that every Sunny Communities home will effectively weather even the harshest winter conditions for many years to come, we believe it’s important for all homeowners to know how to prevent issues and how to spot the warning signs.

1. Damaged Shingles

The first line of defense against winter weather is your roof, and damaged shingles can compromise its integrity. Though shingles have a life expectancy of 15-30 years, you’ll want to perform an annual visual inspection to spot any missing or damaged shingles. Unattended roof damage can cause leaks and water damage inside your home.

2. Let it Snow

While most homes are engineered to withstand the weight of snow, excessive accumulations can place undue strain on your roof and in extreme cases cause damage. Additionally, leaving snow unattended on asphalt and concrete driveways may lead to cracks as the ice thaws and refreezes. Timely snow removal can help maintain the structural integrity of your driveway.

3. Icicles, anyone?

Some find icicles to be fascinating, but they can be a telltale sign of a more serious issue: ice dams. Ice dams are formed when melting snow refreezes at the edge of your roof which can cause drainage issues. Water can seep into your home damaging walls, ceilings, and insulation. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic can help prevent ice dams.

4. Attic Issues

Attics need to be regularly inspected for any signs of moisture, mold, or poor insulation. Addressing these issues can improve energy efficiency and protect your home from winter damage.

5. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Be sure to turn off external pipes once temperatures start to dip, and insulate any exposed pipes, especially if they are in unheated areas of your home. If you catch a frozen pipe early, quickly thaw it by applying gentle heat with a warm, damp towel or using a hair dryer.

6. Cracks and Gaps

As your home settles, cracks are bound to form around your home. Cracks and gaps found on windows and windowsills allow cold air in which may decrease the efficiency of your home heating system and increase your costs. Be sure to properly seal any openings you find.

Sunny Communities prides itself on expert home construction and ongoing customer care after move-in day. Learn more today about how we can help.