Preparing For Winter Storms In Nashville

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Ensuring that your home or business is prepared ahead of winter storms in Nashville is a smart move, both from a safety perspective and financially, as well. Both the exterior of your home or business and the surrounding landscaping need to be ready for the cold winds, snow, and ice that winter can bring. Being well-prepared will mean lower energy costs and increased efficiency of your appliances that will ensure that your loved ones, friends, and clientele are safe even during the worst of it.

Here are some things to think about as you are preparing for winter storms in Nashville: 

Windows/Doors. The windows and doors of your property are always going to be vulnerable during heavy weather of any kind, and winter is no exception, so this is a great place to start your winter storm preparation. Some steps you can take are:

• Check all weatherstripping and replace damaged items to keep your interiors well-insulated against the cold. 
• Replace doors and windows with storm-proof versions for protection. 
• Repair or replace wooden window frames if signs of rot or decay are evident. 
• Caulk windows and doors inside and out to be sure there will be no drafts. 

Trees/Shrubbery. This is an important area to consider ahead of bad weather; ice and high winds can turn any weak or dead branches into debris that can cause damage:

• Trim back all overgrown branches away from any building and its electrical wires. This guards against loss of power or property damage caused by icy or wind-blown branches during winter storm conditions. 
• Clean and dry deck/patio furniture and use a heavy covering if it is stored outdoors. You may want to store items like this indoors ahead of high winds for safety. 
• All outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads need to be drained and stored in a safe place to keep them in good shape for spring.  
• Look for decay, insect damage, or splintering in your deck to prevent further deterioration, and clean away leaves and dirt from between the boards so that mold has nowhere to establish itself.

HVAC/Fireplaces. Your heating systems will need to be in the best condition possible when preparing for winter storms in Nashville:

• Inspect your fireplace, chimney, and flue system: they need to be clean of soot or creosote and free of cracks that could cause a fire hazard. If you find a cold draft even when the damper is closed, the damper itself may be warped, worn, or rusted, and you will want to fix this issue before winter storms. 

• Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.

• If you have an older thermostat, consider replacing it with a programmable unit; this can often bring pretty large savings in energy costs during cold weather. 

• Make sure fans are switched to the reverse or clockwise position, which will blow warm air down to the floor for enhanced energy efficiency and comfort. 

The team here at SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson is always here to lend a hand if you need help preparing your home or business for winter storms here in Nashville. We’re experts when it comes to recovery and repair from damage due to flooding, extreme weather, fire, or accidents, and our team has the expertise and skills necessary to complete all your projects quickly and professionally. Ask us how we can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!