The Polar Vortex Could Really Damage Your Windows, Roof, and More

From House Beautiful

With dangerously low temperatures across much of the United States, everyone is bundling up before they venture out into the polar vortex to protect themselves from the unbearable cold, especially in the Midwest. Fewer people, though, are taking the same care of their homes and it's leading to major problems.

Because yes, your home is almost as vulnerable to the weather as you are and severe damage to your roof, pipes, windows, toilets, and more can easily occur if they're not taken care of accordingly. Seriously...not even our potties are safe. New York Magazine shared a post on Instagram of a toilet tank that actually exploded in Minnesota because it froze:

Ways to Prevent Damage to Your Home

Calculate How Much Snow Your Roof Can Hold

Though having no toilet is obviously a state of emergency in and of itself, having a functioning roof over your head is even more important. Should you live in an area with heavy snow and ice piling up on your roof, try calculating how much load your roof can handle with this Snow Load Calculator before it causes any damage.

According to the Ice Dam Removal Guys, snow should be removed about every six inches of pileup. For more information on how to remove it, click here.

Turn Down Your Thermostats

Additionally, since "most heating systems are not designed for subzero weather," the IndyStar reports, it's important to lower your expectations. "There's a misnomer that the air inside your home will be warmer if the thermostat is at a higher set point. That's not the case," they continue. Instead, they recommend lowering your thermostat so as to not over-run your furnace, keep your blinds closed, and keep doors closed as much as possible.

Stream Water from Every Faucet

Jack Hope from Hope Plumbing told the IndyStar that keeping your faucets running during low temperatures can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. For more tips on how to prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting, click here.

Keep Vents Blowing on Windows

Scott Brown of Franklin Window and Door also spoke to the IndyStar, sharing that it's tough to prevent cracking, but he suggests keeping vents facing the window glass to keep them warmer.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

('You Might Also Like',)

• 7 Secrets HomeGoods Employees Won't Tell You

• 19 Closet Organization Ideas You'll Want to Steal Immediately

• 15 Styling Tricks That Make A Small Living Room Seem Bigger Than It Is