Preventing Winter Damage

Winter in Brandon and Westman can be hard on homes and commercial buildings. Here are practical ways to help prevent ice dams, frozen pipes, water damage and other winter problems.

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Manitoba winters are long, cold and hard on buildings. Whether you own a home or a commercial property in Brandon or the Westman area, freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow and deep cold can turn small issues into big problems: water stains on a ceiling, a burst pipe, or a furnace that quits on the coldest night of the year.

Many of these problems can be prevented, or at least caught early. Here are practical steps homeowners and commercial owners can take to help protect their property this winter.

1. Watch for Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat escaping from the building melts snow on the roof. The water runs down to the colder edge of the roof and refreezes, building a ridge of ice that can force water back under the shingles.

Watch for large icicles and thick ice building up along the eaves. They can be a sign of heat loss.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear so meltwater can drain.
Use a roof rake from the ground to pull snow off the lower edge of the roof where it's safe to do so.
Avoid chipping at ice on the roof, which can damage roofing. Call a qualified roofer if ice dams are causing problems.

2. Check Attic Insulation and Ventilation

Ice dams usually start in the attic. Warm air leaking into the attic heats the roof deck from below.

Look for gaps around attic hatches, plumbing stacks, light fixtures and other openings where warm air can leak into the attic.
Make sure insulation is in place and isn't compressed, wet or missing in spots.
Keep soffit and roof vents clear so the attic can stay cold and dry.
Watch for frost on the underside of the roof sheathing or nails in the attic, which can point to moisture or air leakage problems.

3. Protect Pipes From Freezing

A frozen pipe can split and cause serious water damage once it thaws.

Insulate pipes in unheated or cold areas, such as crawl spaces, garages, vestibules, exterior walls and mechanical rooms.
Keep the heat on and set to a safe temperature, even when the building is empty or you're away.
During extreme cold, opening cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls can let warm air reach the pipes.
Know where the main water shut-off is, and make sure everyone in the home or building knows too.
If you'll be away, or a commercial space will be vacant, arrange for someone to check on the property regularly.

4. Shut Off and Drain Hose Bibs

Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
If your hose bibs have an interior shut-off, close it and drain the line.
Shut down and drain irrigation systems before freeze-up.

5. Keep Sump Pumps and Drainage Working

Winter thaws and spring melt can quickly send water toward your foundation.

Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit to make sure it turns on and empties the pit.
Make sure the discharge line is clear and drains well away from the foundation, and that it won't freeze or get buried in snow.
Point downspouts away from the building and keep extensions in place over winter.
When shovelling or plowing, avoid piling snow against the foundation.

6. Service the Furnace and Heating System

Have your furnace, boiler or other heating equipment serviced by a licensed heating contractor.
Change furnace filters regularly through the heating season.
Keep exhaust and intake vents outside clear of snow and ice, especially for high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters that vent through the wall.
For commercial buildings, make sure rooftop units, unit heaters and controls are serviced and working properly.

7. Keep an Eye on Snow Load

Watch for heavy snow buildup and drifting on roofs, especially flat and low-slope roofs on commercial buildings, garages and additions.
Look for signs of stress, such as sagging ceilings, doors that suddenly stick, or new cracks in interior finishes.
Keep roof drains and scuppers on flat roofs clear.
Leave roof snow removal to qualified professionals. Working on a snowy roof is dangerous.

8. Seal the Building Exterior

Check caulking around windows, doors, vents and other penetrations, and reseal gaps while temperatures still allow.
Replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps.
Look for gaps in siding, trim or masonry where cold air, moisture or pests could get in.

9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Winter means windows are closed and heating equipment is running, so working alarms are especially important.

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries as needed.
Check the manufacturer's date on alarms and replace them when they reach the end of their service life.
Make sure there are CO alarms near sleeping areas and near fuel-burning appliances.
In commercial buildings, keep fire alarm and life safety systems tested and maintained as required.

10. Keep Walkways and Entrances Safe

Keep walkways, steps and entrances clear of snow and ice, and keep ice melt on hand.
Check handrails and steps for loose or damaged sections.
Make sure exterior lighting is working so walkways are visible on short winter days.

How a Professional Inspection Helps

Many winter problems start with issues that are hard to spot on your own, like air leaks into the attic, inadequate insulation, drainage problems or roofing defects. A home or commercial building inspection gives you an independent, visual look at the condition of your property, so you know what may need attention before winter makes it worse.

Just to be clear about what we do: Just Call Joe Inspections is a home and commercial property inspection company. We inspect and report on what we find. We're not a contractor and we don't do repairs, and we're not municipal building inspectors. Our job is to give you clear, unbiased information so you can make good decisions about your property.

Protect Your Property This Winter

A little attention now can help prevent costly damage and stress later in the season. If you'd like a second set of eyes on your home or commercial building, contact Just Call Joe Inspections to book an inspection. We're proud to serve homeowners and business owners in Brandon and across the Westman area.