In any season, including winter, water can cause major damage to properties. Pipes can freeze and burst during the harsh winter months, and ice dams can form on roofs. The thawing snow can also cause flooding, resulting in water damage. The following tips will help homeowners prevent winter water damage.
Causes of Water Damage in Winter
- Frozen Pipes
Winter is one of the most common times for this type of damage to occur. The water in pipes is frozen due to freezing temperatures. As a result, the molecules of H2O expand, and when they expand too much, they can burst the pipe. Broken pipes cause property damage and cause problems for homeowners and businesses.
It is important to remember that the more time you spend inside your home, the more water is used. That means that your pipes are under more pressure. A broken pipe will cause damage to your walls and floors.
- Blockages in the gutters
Some water damage seeps into your home more slowly and less noticeable than the sudden bursting of your pipes. Rain can cause water to collect on roofs, resulting in ice dams. Autumn and winter can cause gutters to clog with leaves and other debris, resulting in water flowing down the side of the house or under the roof.
It may be a good idea to clean the gutters this season. A freeze may also result in ice forming on the roof and blocking gutter runoff. In rarely visited home areas, such as attics, pooling water can cause water damage by seeping through shingles and sub-roofing. Once a year, inspect every room of your house for signs of water damage to mitigate your risk.
- Sources of external water
Be proactive to avoid problems. In the winter, outdoor water sources can be more dangerous than in the summer due to the freezing temperatures. For this reason, garden hoses should be drained and stored somewhere warm during the winter.
Stop the water on your outdoor faucets as well. That way, the water in them won’t freeze and expand. If a pipe bursts, water can back up into your home and destroy the structure in the winter. Whenever this occurs, call a professional to clean it up right away to prevent the growth of mold.
Benefits of Water Damage Restoration in Winter
Rapid restoration
Water damage during winter can make you feel overwhelmed and confused about what to do. If left unattended, the damage will spread quickly into your walls, appliances, furnishings, and more.
The longer the situation continues, the greater the damage is. You should therefore begin restoring the property as soon as possible. Experts in water restoration know exactly what to do to clean and restore your property quickly and efficiently.
The restoration process is fast and effective with the latest technology, taking care of different areas of your home simultaneously. This relieves your stress and prevents further damage to your home.
Removal of mold safely
Winter is a time when mold can be a major problem due to water damage. It often takes 48 hours for mold to grow after water damage, causing damage to your building materials and furnishings.
With professional training and equipment, restoration companies can locate and deal with mold problems. Since they know the risks involved and how to take precautions during the process, they wear protective gear. It’s not safe for your eyes, lungs, or overall health to try to clean mold on your own.
Cost-savings in the future
The effects of water damage can be devastating, both to the environment of your home and to your finances. If you seek water damage restoration as soon as possible after the damage occurs, not only will you reduce your losses, but you will also save money. In general, the sooner the waterlogged areas are cleared up and dried and all other side effects are explored, the less cost and effort will be required.
How to Prevent Water Damage in the Winter?
Drainage of clogged gutters
The debris that accumulates in your roof gutter keeps melting snow and ice from permeating the roof. As a consequence, water melting from the snow has nowhere to drain, causing ice dams. As a result, there is a greater likelihood of water seeping into your home and causing leaks in your ceiling. It can also cause damage to your insulation and walls. A water restoration company can help you fix your clogged gutters.
Remove snow from the roof
You need to remove ice dams quickly when snow accumulates on your roof. You can easily remove the snow from your roof by using a roof rake or push broom. This reduces the amount of water damage to your property caused by melting snow. If there is still snow on your roof, raise the temperature of your attic (the area beneath your roof). If your attic has any holes, you can seal them to keep warm air inside.
Disconnect exterior faucets and sprinklers
Outside pipes can freeze and burst due to the expansion of the ice as the water inside expands. Drain all the water in exterior pipes and disconnect garden hoses to prevent that. Alternately, install freeze-proof faucets outside to prevent that.
Turning on the heating during vacations
Homeowners are unable to monitor the weather during vacations or take precautions. If you’re going on vacation in winter, leave the heating on to avoid freezing pipes inside your house.
Insulate pipes properly
During winter, these pipes are generally hidden and expand as they freeze. This extra pressure causes cracks in the pipes and the pressure to increase, eventually resulting in a burst. A frozen pipe can cause extensive water damage, lead to mold growth, and cause a lot of headaches for the homeowner.
Final Word
During cold weather, there are a number of ways that water can lead to damage to your home. You can avoid water damage in winters by taking these preventive tips. However, you will still need a restoration company like Kings Restoration if any of your belongings are still affected by water.
