That’s Not An Icicle, That’s My House!

The polar vortex is back, and it’s bringing a friend.  The cold arctic wind, in interacting with typhoon Nuri, has mutated it into a superstorm that, as per leading physics and weather experts, packs more energy that even Hurricane Sandy.  Unless you’re one of the lucky few in the eight states that most likely will not be affected by the influx of cold arctic air, i.e., the Southwest, Hawaii, Alaska, and the southern part of Florida, then you are most likely already feeling the effects. 

In your efforts to fix up the residential areas of your home to keep the heat in and the cold out, in addition to making sure you have as many warm blankets as you can scrounge up, however, might you have forgotten the parts of your house just outside your warm little nest?  Any reputable contractor for roofing in Hopatcong NJ will tell you there are areas of your house that, with the influx of the cold, are more vulnerable than usual to damage from the cold.

Ice Dams

With temperatures expected to hit -30 Fahrenheit and lower, you could be looking at the mother of all ice dams.  NJ roofing experts agree that these can be a real pain to deal with.  In addition to covering and layering your windows, you need to make sure your attic is sufficiently insulated and ventilated.  The attic floor, in particular, should be well insulated in order to limit the heat penetrating into the attic from within the house.

Freezing Pipes

The water in your pipes could end up freezing; the resultant buildup of water pressure can lead to the pipes bursting.  Particularly vulnerable are pipes located in attics, outside walls, and crawl spaces.  Fit exposed pipes with insulating sleeves, or wrap them in insulation to help prevent the water from freezing.  Cracks and holes in outside walls and/or foundations should be caulked.  Try to keep a slow trickle of water flowing through the faucets connected to pipes running through unheated and/or unprotected spaces.