Pro-Line Contractors and Roofers - Preventing Pipes from Freezing and Bursting

PREVENT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING:

Don't want this to happen?? Me neither! There's a few simple ways to prevent your pipes from freezing and if you don't know them, it could cost you $$THOUSANDS$$ in water damage repairs.

Keep in mind....most pipe bursts happen in basement plumbing lines. Also, water freezes at 32 degrees so never leave your home temperature below freezing!


Going on vacation or leaving your home in the winter? Even if you expect an over night freeze, draining the water system can give you peace of mind. First, shut off the main water valve. Then, turn on all fixtures (including hot and cold faucets) until water completely stops running. It's ok to close the fixtures when the water stops since now the pipes are filled with air and will not break from the cold. Once you arrive back home, simply turn on the main water valve and open all the fixtures until water is flowing through them again.

Insulating your pipes, especially pipes that run through unheated spaces can help too. Insulation costs pennies compared to the damage burst pipes can create. There is also, UL approved heat tape that can be applied to unprotected pipes.

Let the water drip in faucets where pipes are not protected. Again, make sure both hot and cold lines are dripping. 

Laundry Room: If your laundry room doesn't have a faucet to drip, make sure you run a cycle in your washer when the weather is going to be below freezing.

Sinks on exterior walls: Open the cabinets covering pipes to allow heat to get to them.


Ice maker: If you have an ice maker - make sure it is set to MAKE ICE when it's cold. This will prevent the lines from freezing and creating more problems than too many ice cubes.

Sprinklers and hoses: Always turn your sprinkler system off and run compressed air through the line. And don't forget to disconnect all water hoses and drain them before the first freeze.

 -Dave Ashley
(708)479-1237
prolinehome@aol.com

Pro-Line Contractors and Roofers: Preparing for Winter

How to prepare your roof for the winter season:

1st: Getting to know your roof

1. Chimney Flashing: The material used between the to protect the joints between the roof and chimney from water penetration. This can be the culprit of chimney leaks so make sure this is properly sealed or call a professional for repair. Only caulking may be necessary but if the flashing is poorly installed it can lead to more damage.

2. Roof Vents: Why should my roof be vented? On a cold winter day water vapor (moisture), from showering, doing dishes, laundry, etc. is combined with warm air in the home. This creates condensation that rises into the attic. The vent allows the moisture to escape. Also, keep in mind that the abundance of moisture can cause dripping of water in the attic's insulation. This will in turn create ineffective insulation (if too much water is absorbed) which will cause rooms to be colder. In the winter this creates the need to turn up the heat and higher energy bills! Make sure your roof is properly vented and insulated!

2b. Preventing Ice Dams:  The easiest way to prevent ice dams is to clean your gutters! By cleaning them out at least once a year will help so debris will not get trapped in them and freeze when the temp drops. When the snow melts the water will be able to drain fully off of the house. If your roof is properly insulated and vented, an accumulation of snow can still cause ice damming. The snow actually acts as insulation and when it sits on the roof over a period of time the underneath layers can melt and refreeze. If a lot of snow is on the roof for a length of time, you should shovel it off 10' from the roof's edge. This will allow the sun to hit the areas subject to ice and dry them out. If your roof has been re-shingled recently, it most like has an Ice & Water Shield to protect from leakage.

Visit out website www.prolinehome.com for more information.

-Dave Ashley
(708)479-1237
prolinehome@aol.com

Pro-line Contractors and Roofers Questions and Answers

Getting To Know Your Local Contractor

When did Pro-line Contractors Inc. start?
1998

What made you want to start a construction and roofing business?
Because I am Mr. Fix It. I love improving anything and everything, from roofing down to the ground.
I appreciate seeing families enjoy the renovation of their home.

What has made you successful in your industry?
Here at Pro-line Contractors, we are firm believers of customer satisfaction. We work until the job is done right.

What is your favorite part of your business?
I honestly love being out in the community, making a difference everyday. We are thankful enough that we could contribute to our community.

What type of home improvement does Pro-line Contractors focus on?

• Roofing
• Siding
• Soffit, Fascia, and Gutters
• Windows and Doors
• Kitchen and Bath Remodels
• Basements
• Decks

Pro-line Contractors Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland Suburbs for 16 years, with over 30 years of experience. We have come a long way from where we started, but our number one priority has remained "Customer Satisfaction". If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to email or call us. Anything, to help out a new or future customer.

Visit out website www.prolinehome.com for more information.

-Dave Ashley
(708)479-1237
prolinehome@aol.com