Sisterhood Home Interior & Design

Posts Tagged ‘cold weather’

Exterior siding is necessary for all frame dwellings that are not constructed of masonry. Choosing the right one can be difficult. Basically there are four types of siding for residential use, wood, aluminum, vinyl and fiber cement. All of these have their advantages and disadvantages.

Wood siding is the original siding used for houses for centuries. It has been known by many names such as wood shingles, shakes, clapboard and others. All other siding is a copy of wood siding in appearance. Wood left unpainted especially in coastal areas takes on a patina of unsurpassed charm like the New England Cape Cod homes with their silver gray shingles and the shingle style Victorian homes that were once so prevalent along the New Jersey shore with their weathered brown or gray patinas. There is much merit there from an historical standpoint but, in general, wood shingles are high maintenance, burn quickly and, aside from cedar, attract insects.

Next there is aluminum siding which is durable and lasts for a very long time. It is recyclable making it popular among environmental groups. Aluminum siding, in many cases, needs to be painted occasionally although some types have a vinyl coating that will keep its color. It is washable and except for denting on impact it can withstand much abuse from weather. It does not offer a lot of styles and colors from which to choose.

Vinyl siding is a more recent introduction into the market place and is inexpensive and maintenance free. It accounts today for the siding on thirty percent of all newly constructed homes. It can withstand a lot of abuse and because the color runs right though the material it resists scratches and never needs painting. It is available in many patterns, grains and colors. If it has a down side it is the fact that it becomes brittle in very cold weather and can crack making it a poor choice for extremely frigid climates.

Fiber cement is a recent member to join the siding club. It is designed to look like wood and comes in a very broad spectrum of colors and intricate designs. It can be used for very detailed architectural patterns. It is also extremely tough and long lived. It is on the high end cost wise but can be worth the extra investment due to its superior properties.

As you can see exterior siding choices are many. When making your choice it is advisable to consult with a professional in your local area who is familiar with the pros and cons of all the products. His or her expertise will prove invaluable in your decision.

Water Heaters

Water heater leaks are a common cause of basement flooding. Proper maintenance of your water heater is crucial to maximize its life expectancy. Periodically, have a plumber perform a check up on the heater. He or she should inspect the anode rod inside the tank, and replace it if needed, since this rod serves to protect the tank from corrosion. Also, make sure the tank’s glass lining, pipes, and valves are in good condition. Replace worn out parts. Finally, remove sediment from the tank every 6 months by flushing the water heater.

Washing Machines

Regularly inspect your washing machine. Be on the lookout for valves that do not work properly, as well as worn out supply hoses. Hoses tend to crack in places where they bend sharply. Replace old or worn hoses with the steel braided type for maximum durability.

Toilets

The simplest way to prevent toilet-related water damage is to simply stay in the bathroom until the toilet has finished refilling. Beyond that, take note if your toilet starts to run between uses, a sign that components are beginning to fail. Also, inspect your toilet a couple of times per year. Make sure the valves inside the tank work properly and the supply line is connected securely.

Basement Flooding

Make sure you have a reliable primary sump pump installed in your sump pit, as well as a backup sump pump system that can protect your basement during periods when a storm knocks out your power. Additionally, ensure that each of the pumps have sufficient capacity to handle the water volume that could potentially flow into your basement.

Plumbing System

Keep an eye out for signs of potential leaks in your plumbing system. Are your water bills higher than they should be? Do you see signs of moisture on your walls or floors? Make sure your water shutoff valve works properly – test it regularly! If you live in a cold weather region, take measures to prevent frozen pipes. For example, during extremely cold periods, open your faucets slightly to reduce pressure in your pipes. Also, keep the temperature in your home above 60 degrees, even if no one is home.

Water Leak Detection

Utilize leak detection and automatic water shutoff systems to keep small leaks from turning into extensive water damage. If you can detect a leak early on, you will be left with only a small mess to clean up, instead of a large scale disaster.

Through regular preventive maintenance and by monitoring potential trouble spots in your home, you can stop many types of water damage before they occur.

Winter can mean freezing temperatures and this can lead to frozen pipes. When water freezes in pipes it expands causing pipes to burst. Plumbing problems during the winter abound; even if you live in a warmer climate it can pose a problem at times. If you have had problems with frozen pipes in the past, those same pipes are obvious problem spots. Insulation alone won’t keep most pipes from freezing.

One tactic that may help to keep pipes from freezing is to keep a heat source near problem spots. One common problem areas are bathroom pipes enclosed in vanities or cabinets, leave the doors open during cold weather so the heat from the room can penetrate the enclosures. Another option is to buy pipe wraps that include electrical heat coils embedded in them. This works well if you remember to plug them in when cold weather is approaching, but there is always the problem of having an interruption of power during a severe storm.

It takes more for running water to freeze. During severe cold weather you may want to keep a stream of water trickling out of faucets or spouts attached to vulnerable pipes. This wastes water, but may be preferable to a burst pipe.

If any of your pluming does freeze, try thawing it with an electrical hair dryer. For your safety, be sure the dryer is grounded and never hold the pipe while operating an electrical appliance. To keep the pipe from bursting it is important to turn off the valve leading to the pipe. It is unnecessary to turn of the water to the house, only the affected plumbing.

If at any point you are unsure of what to do to keep your pipes from freezing call a professional plumbing contractor for help. Preventing your pipes from bursting is a better option that mopping up water for hours or days.