We all know that along with winter comes snow and ice and those two elements can do a lot of damage to our homes. It’s important to do some repair work after these storms both to repair any damage that is already done as well as to prevent further damage from taking place.
- Roof and gutters: Snow and ice can cause shingles to fall off or be damaged and ice and snow can build up in gutters, creating an ice dam. Ice dams don’t allow water to drain properly and that can cause moisture to get under the roof. It’s important to inspect your roof and gutters and to make any necessary repairs. Roof repairs usually run homeowners between $720 and $1,070.
- Pipes: Due to the below zero temperatures we experience during winter (all too often), pipes can freeze and prevent water from flowing through them, which means no water supply in your home. A plumber can try to fix this issue and get the water going again.
- Trees: Heavy snow, high winds, and ice can weigh branches down and cause a tree to collapse, sometimes on to homes and power lines. If you suspect a tree may fall and you want it removed, call a tree removal service or simply cut some branches to alleviate the problem.
- Siding: Strong winter winds can cause siding to come loose or blow off and this can cause moisture to get into the inner layers of the siding which invites mold and other pests to live there. If you need to repair or replace your siding, the cost varies depending on the material and size of the job. Residents in Chicago reportedly spend an average of $600-$920.
- Structural problems and leaks: Leaks in windows, siding, doors, or the roof can cause a number of problems, namely mold issues as well as decreased energy efficiency.
- Furnaces and Heaters: These colder months force our heaters and furnaces to work harder in order to keep our homes warm. Many times this burden causes furnaces and heaters to completely go out or not work as well. If you think there is a problem, call a professional heating and ventilation contractor.