Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

Prepare your home or business for the cold months ahead.  Paying attention to proper maintenance and safety can help prevent problems when the ice, snow and winter rains hit.

Melt Water Losses

Frozen pipes and ice dams are common winter calamities that can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to the roof, gutters, walls, interior ceiling, and even personal items inside your home.

You can prevent frozen pipes arid ice dams and avoid the hassles and costs of cleaning and repairing the damage.  Here are some tips:

• Insulate exposed pipes located in unheated areas such as the crawl space, garage, and attic.
• Seal any openings that might allow cold air near your pipes.
• Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55 degrees if you will be away.
• Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
• Clean all leaves, sticks and other debris from your home's gutters and downspouts.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of snow and icicles all winter.
• Have a professional evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic.  Most experts agree the R-value of attic insulation should be at least R-30.

Have you taken all of the following steps to ensure that your home is safe:

• Disconnect garden hoses in the winter;
• When cooking, keep a pot lid nearby in case you need to smother a small grease fire;
• Keep a portable fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near a fireplace;
• Place a smoke alarm outside each bedroom and on every level, including the basement;
• Frequently test and change batteries in your smoke detectors;
• Regularly check washing machine hoses and replace them if there are any signs of cracking, bulging, or other deterioration?