The National Weather Service reports that over half of Western New York’s annual snowfall comes from lake-effect snow, produced when cold air crosses the relatively warmer Great Lakes, gains moisture, and forms concentrated bands of snow downwind. This phenomenon can cause major disruption, not only to the everyday movement of people and vehicles but also to the structural integrity of homes. News stories abound of upstate residents comparing their suburbs to the wintry wonderlands of books like The Chronicles of Narnia, and having the fronts of their homes covered in ice up to three feet thick. Many also report expensive damage, including broken pipes, leaks, frozen gutters, ice dams, damaged siding, and even foundation problems caused by repeated freezing and thawing. Throughout the year, homeowners can use several strategies to protect their homes from the devastating effects of sub-zero temperatures.
Why Older Properties Are More Vulnerable to Damage
Older properties in Upstate New York may be more vulnerable to heavy snowfall and lake-effect cold snaps because they may have inadequate heating and poor insulation. Drafty windows and doors let cold air in, which can lead to mold, rot, and wood deterioration. In poorly ventilated spaces, pipes can freeze, especially those near exterior walls, crawlspaces, or utility areas. The good news is that not all issues require costly repairs or renovations. Many issues can be solved with a few small changes, including sealing drafty windows and fixing small leaks before they grow and cost more to repair.
Conducting a Home Inspection
One of the most crucial steps in protecting a home involves having a professional home inspection. During this process, inspectors examine structural elements (such as the home’s foundation, framing, roof, walls, and ceiling), exterior components (including windows, doors, siding, and gutters), HVAC and electrical systems, and interior spaces. They ensure insulation and ventilation are adequate, and moisture is properly controlled, and suggest remedies if they spot issues. A thorough inspection by qualified plumbing professionals is also key. Pipes exposed in unheated zones, including crawl spaces, garages, and basements, are vulnerable to freezing. They may need replacement or insulation to prevent costly damage in the future.
Protecting Pipes from Freezing
The New York City Department of Emergency Management recommends that homeowners adopt specific measures to protect their pipes and water meters from freezing. These include repairing broken and cracked windows, doors, and walls; installing storm windows on basement windows; tightly closing doors and windows leading outside; insulating outside walls; eliminating drafts from crawl spaces; turning off the water to outside faucets; removing hoses; and draining pipes and meters. It is also vital to ask local plumbing suppliers about the right material for insulating pipes and meters, ensure meters are insulated if they are installed in unheated garages, insulate the wall and open cabinet doors if pipes or meters are in a closed cabinet against the outside wall, and arrange for friends or neighbors to turn on faucets periodically if one plans on being out of town during cold weather. Educating other homeowners is also recommended. For instance, before the cold weather sets in, homeowners should know what to avoid, such as thawing frozen pipes or meters with an open flame.
Small Actions that Matter
In addition to major repairs, small, regular actions can also help keep homes in Upstate New York safe from winter damage. For instance, cleaning gutters may be a chore few enjoy, but it can prevent ice dam buildup and allow gutters to drain properly. They should also ensure that ceiling fans are rotating correctly. Although most homes use these fans in the summer, they can also be a powerful way to rotate airflow and help heat rising into a high ceiling blow back down to where it is most needed. In the wintertime, the fan should generally rotate clockwise when viewed from below at a low speed. However, consult the fan’s manufacturer or check the instructions to ensure the rotation is in the right direction. Other small but essential steps include checking central heating filters and flushing water heaters to remove sediment and prevent sediment buildup.
If you live in an older home in Upstate New York, you may already be familiar with major challenges such as basements without insulation or old, leaky pipes. Because cold spells can be intense, it pays to take action early, starting with a thorough home inspection of areas such as crawlspaces and basements. Throughout the year, regular maintenance (including cleaning gutters and checking heating filters) can keep systems clean and prevent blockages that can lead to costly repairs.
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