What a week for the 3 Ws. While the 11+ inches of snow we just received has turned the hills of Weston and the valleys of Wilton into a winter wonderland, the work for homeowners is just beginning. In Fairfield County, "stewardship" means more than just a clear driveway; it’s about protecting the integrity of your home during the freeze-thaw cycles that follow a major February storm.
As we dig out, here is your essential stewardship checklist to ensure your home remains a sanctuary, not a project.
1. The "Ice Dam" Watch: Catch It Before It Leaks
With temperatures forecasted to hover around the freezing mark this week, we are in prime "Ice Dam" territory.
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The Science: Heat escaping from your attic melts the snow on your roof. That water runs down to the colder eaves and refreezes, creating a "dam" that traps subsequent meltwater. This water then backs up under your shingles and into your walls.
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What to Look For: If you see thick ridges of ice at the edge of your gutters or icicles forming behind the gutter against the fascia board, take action.
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The Fix: Use a roof rake from the ground to clear the first 3-4 feet of snow from your roofline. Never climb a ladder in these conditions—if the ice is already heavy, call a professional like H&J Roofing or JRS Home Services for safe steam removal.
2. Local Resource: The Weston "Sand & Salt" Secret
One of the best perks of living in our community is the support from our local departments.
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Weston Residents: The Weston Public Works (78 Old Hyde Rd) provides free sand and salt for residents to use at home.
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The Details: You can stop by Monday through Friday (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Bring your own 5-gallon buckets (limit 2 per household). There’s a shovel there for you to use! It’s a great way to keep your walkways safe without a midnight run to the hardware store.
3. Critical Safety: The "Hidden" Vents
Modern high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters often vent through the side of your house rather than the chimney.
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The Danger: A deep snowdrift or a plow pile can easily block these PVC pipes. If blocked, carbon monoxide can back up into your home.
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The Check: Take five minutes today to walk the perimeter of your house. Clear away any snow from intake and exhaust pipes, as well as your dryer vent and gas meter.
4. Indoor Stewardship: Pipe Protection
In the more wooded areas of Weston and North Wilton, power flickers are a reality of winter storms.
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The Move: If your heat is struggling to keep up, open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
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The 2026 Tech Tip: If you have a smart thermostat (like Nest or Ecobee), set an "Auto-Alert" for when your home temperature drops below 50°F. This can give you an early warning of a furnace failure while you’re at work or away.
