How to prep your home for snow fall to keep your home running.
Warranty Expectations
To ensure your home stays safe and protected during winter weather, below is a breakdown of what to expect regarding snow-related conditions, your warranty coverage, how we will assist, and steps you can take as a homeowner to help mitigate issues and ensure timely service.
What Is Covered: Water intrusion resulting from construction defects (e.g., flashing or foundation issues). Failures of warranted mechanical systems, such as sump pumps, if they are not properly maintained and used correctly. Damage resulting from improper snow removal, salt use, blocked drains, or frozen pipes due to inadequate preparation is typically not covered under the warranty.
What to Expect: During snow or extreme cold events:
- Response times may be delayed due to travel safety and volume of service requests.
- Emergency requests (like active water leaks or total loss of heat) will be prioritized.
- Our team will provide updates and resource information via email or our homeowner portal.
How We Will Help: We’re committed to helping you protect your home by:
- Providing seasonal maintenance reminders and best practices.
- Offering step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common winter issues.
How You Can Help: Proactive homeowner maintenance is essential to reducing concerns.
Snow Prep Checklist
- Keep Walkways & Driveways Safe
- Clear snow from all walking surfaces.
- Avoid using rock salt (sodium chloride); it damages concrete and can harm pets and plants. [Link to Concrete Article]
- Use alternatives like sand or kitty litter for traction.
- Check Exterior Drains
- Remove debris from basement areaway drains and window wells to prevent water buildup from snowmelt.
- Secure Outdoor Items
- Bring in or tie down furniture, umbrellas, and anything that could blow away and damage your home.
- Test Your Sump Pump [Link to Sump Pump Article]
- Make sure it's operational before the snow melts.
- Do not plug it into a circuit already shared with other appliances.
- Prepare for Emergencies
- Keep your homeowner’s insurance info and emergency contacts handy.
- Monitor local weather alerts for severe conditions.
Resource Guide for Storms
Keep these numbers nearby in case of an emergency:
Power Outages
- Dominion Energy: (866) 366-4357
- NOVEC: (888) 335-0500
- Rappahannock Electric: (800) 552-3904
- SVEC: (800) 234-7832
Road Conditions
- Dial 511 or visit org
- Report issues: (800) 367-7623
Non-Emergency Police (Sheriff’s Offices)
- Loudoun: (703) 777-1021
- Fauquier: (540) 347-3300
- Frederick: (540) 662-6162
- Fairfax: (703) 691-2131
- Prince William: (703) 792-6500