Preventing Cold Weather Damage

Cold temperatures can cause serious headaches for homeowners. From burst pipes to ice dams, the effects of cold weather can lead to costly damage if you're not prepared. But don’t worry! You can take a few easy DIY steps to protect your home from the cold.

Burst Pipes: What You Need to Know

Burst pipes happen when water-filled pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures for too long. Pipes near exterior walls, garden hose bibs, and water lines in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages are most at risk. Even pipes inside your home can freeze if the temperature gets too low. When the water in a pipe freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe, which can cause it to burst. And once that happens, you could be dealing with water damage to your drywall, carpet, ceilings, and furniture.

How to Insulate Your Pipes

Here’s how you can protect your pipes:

• Pick the Right Insulation: You can find pipe insulation in different materials like foam, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Foam sleeves are super easy to install and can be cut to fit. For smaller pipes, go with tubular sleeves, while larger pipes might need insulation blankets.

• Install Properly: Make sure the insulation fits snugly around the pipe without any gaps. For foam sleeves, seal the seam with duct tape. If you’re using wrap insulation, wind it tightly around the pipe and secure it with tape.

• Insulate All Exposed Pipes: Don’t just insulate outdoor pipes—remember to cover the ones in your garage, basement, attic, and crawl spaces. Even the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom cabinets could use some insulation love.

• Inspect and Maintain: Insulation can degrade over time, so check it yearly. Replace it if it’s wet, damaged, or not covering the pipes completely.

• Call in the Pros: If your pipes are in hard-to-reach places or you’re unsure about how to insulate them, contact Foam Engineers. Quality Waterproofing at Foam Engineers have the same parent company. They’ll make sure the job’s done right and might even suggest the best materials for your situation.

Seal Those Cracks and Holes

Gaps around where pipes enter and exit your home can let cold air in, which can lead to frozen pipes. To prevent this, grab some caulk or expandable foam sealant and fill in those gaps. Not only will this help keep your pipes warm, but it’ll also make your home more energy-efficient by keeping warm air in and cold air out.

Start by identifying potential points where pipes penetrate walls or floors—common spots include where the water supply line enters the house and around sink plumbing. Once you’ve found them, apply the sealant carefully, making sure there are no gaps. Just be sure to choose a sealant that’s appropriate for your wall or floor material and your local climate.

Open Cabinets and Vanities

If your plumbing is in cabinets or vanities, especially against exterior walls, open those doors to let the warmer air from your home’s heating system circulate around the pipes. This small step can make a big difference in preventing frozen pipes and the costly damage they can cause.

Let Your Faucets Drip

In areas where your pipes aren’t well-insulated, like basements or attics, it’s a good idea to let your faucets drip slightly when it’s freezing outside. This keeps the water flowing and relieves any pressure that might build up between the faucet and any ice blockages in the pipes. Just a little drip can be enough to prevent a burst pipe.