What to expect in winter – Salem/Plaistow New Hampshire

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

We have outlined a few of the hazards often seen when we are in the dead of winter.

What to expect in winter – Salem/Plaistow New Hampshire

Frozen pipes, puffbacks, ice dams, and the flu. Yes the fresh fallen snow is a beautiful sight for many, but all the complications that can accompany winter may leave you a little uneasy. Maybe you are a new home owner or business owner? Maybe this is your first time in a location where temperatures often dip into the negatives? Either way we have outlined a few of the hazards often seen when we are in the dead of winter.

Frozen Pipes

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water sources and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. To learn about how to prepare your home or business click here. (link to winter weather blog)

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under shingles and into your structure’s interior. Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter months. Be sure all gutters are cleaned and secured.

Puffbacks, Chimneys, and Space Heaters

A puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once covering an interior in grimy soot or a puffback can leak soot particles more gradually. Likewise a chimney fire could end smoke billowing throughout your home. Proper maintenance of your furnace and regular chimney checkups can help reduce these risks.

Space heaters present a greater potential for human error such as leaving them too close to combustible materials or failing to operate and maintain them properly. It’s important to remember to never sleep or leave a room with a portable heater still on, and keep combustibles at least 3 feet away.

Flu Season

Every year it seems that cold & flu season hits us earlier and harder than the year before. You can help prevent the spread of flu germs by depending on us to sanitize building materials, surfaces, and contents following restoration industry standards. We use professional cleaning products and EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants.

Be prepared this winter and know SERVPRO® of Salem/Plaistow is available 24/7/365.