Along with snowmen, icicles, and Santa Claus, winter also brings along a host of new water damage hazards. It is essential that you be prepared for these hazards to prevent a water damage disaster from devastating your home during the winter months.
Water Damage Restoration Dekalb
Here are four of the most serious winter water damage hazards to be aware of from our cleaning and restoration pros at Clean USA.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a constant threat during the cold, winter months. A frozen pipe may cause the pipe to burst which can lead to hundreds of thousands of floodwater eventually spilling into your home.
There are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of a burst pipe. First, keep a close eye on the outside temperature. When it drops below freezing, you can do a few things to prevent your pipes from freezing. These include setting your pipes to a slow, steady drip, opening up your cabinets that contain pipes, and adding insulation to your pipes. Always pay close attention to the temperature as winter nears so you know what you need to do to avoid getting frozen pipes. The easiest mistake for your pipes freezing is simply forgetting about the freezing temperatures outside and forgetting to take any of the simple measures necessary for preventing frozen pipes.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are the result of layers of snow and ice that accumulate on your roof and rain gutters. The issue with this is that the ice damages prevent water from flowing off your roof as it normally is wood. As water remains stuck on your roof, it can eventually leak down your home and on the interior walls. Regularly inspect your roof for damage and clear your gutters and downspouts of debris often to prevent ice dams from causing your troubles.
Snow Buildup
In large quantities, snow is extremely heavy. As snow gradually builds up on your roof throughout the winter, it puts increasing strain on your roof and shingles. Before long, this can damage your roof and lead to water leaking through your roof down into your home.
Snow buildup not on the roof can also be problematic. This is because large piles of snow are really just massive puddles in disguise. If the snow melts quickly, your basement or crawlspace could flood due to the sudden influx of water.
Hail Damage
Hail is yet another common issue during the winter. Hailstorms can cause damage to aluminum siding, shingles, and gutters, and could crack your vinyl siding. If hail is a recurring problem, you should consider installing an impact-resistant roof to mitigate its effects.
Make sure you take the necessary steps before winter begins to keep these winter water damage hazards at bay. Then you can enjoy your holiday season without worrying about a collapsed roof or flooded home. Nonetheless, if your home does sustain any water damage, don’t waste any time before giving us a call at Clean USA for help.
