Chilly temperatures and the snow and ice of winter weather bring increased risk of water damage to your home. Learn about the three top causes of winter water damage, and tips on how to reduce your risk, from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore. This winter, spend less time worrying about water damage to your home, and more time enjoying the season with your family and friends.
TOP THREE CAUSES OF WINTER WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME, AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM:
1. Burst or Frozen Pipes
Frozen plumbing pipes build up significant pressure which can cause cracks, and then flooding once the ice melts. Make sure the outer walls of your home and any exposed pipes are properly insulated. Caulk all cracks and holes you may find in your exterior walls to prevent cold air from reaching the pipes. Protect exposed pipes from freezing by wrapping them with insulating tape or even old towels. When temperatures are very low or you plan to be away from home for several days, leave your faucets lightly dripping and keep the cabinets under the sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Taking these precautions can help to keep water flowing through the pipes and prevent them from freezing. For maximum protection against hidden or sudden leaks, install a water pressure monitoring and detection system that can automatically signal a water shut-off in the event of a leak or blocked pipe. Using this technology can significantly reduce the amount of water damage to your home caused by burst or frozen pipes in winter.
2. Ice Dams and Roof Leaks
Icicles are inevitable in winter and pretty to look at, but they can wreak havoc on your home. If your roof gutters are clogged, the snow that melts off the roof can’t pass through the drainage system properly. As the trapped water refreezes, a wall of icicles will build up and eventually cause ice dams. When the ice dams melt, the trapped water can damage your roof and seep into your attic, causing structural damage and mould. The ice melt that drips over the sides of your gutters also has the potential to pool next to your home’s foundation and cause additional water damage. In addition, as the icicles melt, they may break off and pose a serious safety hazard. Clean your gutters before the cold weather hits to keep the dangers of ice dams and roof leaks at bay.
3. Exterior Water Sources
When the temperatures drop low, you should shut off the water to your outdoor hoses and spigots. Drain any water from your hoses, and then store them so they don't freeze, crack, or break in the cold. Neglecting your outdoor water sources could cause water damage problems when spring rolls around. Enjoy the beauty of the winter season without having to worry about damage to your home. Taking a few extra precautions can save you lots of hassle in the long run.
If you do experience water damage to your home this winter, call the experts at ServiceMaster Restore. Our professional water damage restoration teams are available 24/7/365 to help you get your home and life back to normal as soon as possible, should a water damage crisis occur.