Nationwide Urges Property Owners to Protect Against Old Man Winter

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Helpful Homeowner Tips for Winter Weather

“unusually cold and stormy weather. For some parts of the country, that means a frigid climate; while for others, it will mean lots of rain and snow.”

The Farmers’ Almanac forecasts a winter season of “unusually cold and stormy weather. For some parts of the country, that means a frigid climate; while for others, it will mean lots of rain and snow.” http://www.farmersalmanac.com/weather/2011/08/29/2012-us-winter-forecast

With several months of winter weather ahead, there are still many opportunities for property owners to take preventative action that could save money and avoid frustration. Frozen pipes and ice dams cause two of the most common winter weather claims we see.

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Nationwide offers property owners the following suggested tips:

Freezing pipes

Frozen water in pipes can cause pressure buildup leading to burst pipes. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Holes in the outside wall for television, cable or telephone lines allow cold air to reach them. To keep water in pipes from freezing, take the following steps:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).
• Keep slow trickles of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Or drain the water system, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.
• Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer. The more insulation the better.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.

Ice dams

An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When interior heat melts the snow on the roof, water can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Take these steps now to avoid trouble later:

• Keep your attic well ventilated. The colder the attic, the less likely snow will melt and refreeze on the roof.
• Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
• As an extra precaution against roof leaks in case ice dams do form, install a water-repellent membrane under your roof covering.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.