Although water damage is a year-round problem, it is more likely to happen as the winter season approaches. The colder temperature coupled with bad weather can cause winter water damage such as leaks and water intrusion. Adding to the trouble is the difficulty of drying out a house in this weather. Cold and wet conditions make for a very bad set of conditions to dry out anything, let alone a house.
Winter water damage can rear its head in different ways. Among the most common problems are ruptured water pipes. However, all these problems, if dealt with appropriate precautions, can be avoided before they become costly to repair. In this article, you will learn about some of the most common water damage sources and how to avoid them.
Ruptured Pipes
When water freezes to become ice, it expands. So when the temperature during the winter season falls below freezing, water in the pipes turns to ice, and the pipes become more brittle. As the ice expands, the pipes do too. The expanding pipe, along with the pressure build-up due to the water in the pipe leads to it eventually rupturing.
The first line of defense against a ruptured pipe is insulation. Survey the unheated areas of your home and insulate the pipes running through there. Some of the most common places are the garage, attic, and basement. Pipe sleeves can be easily installed without much of a hassle and will protect your pipes from bursting during the winter season.
Ice Dams
When the interior side of your roof is unevenly warm, snow in the warmer portion melts and flows down to the gutters where it freezes again, blocking the gutters. This condition is called an ice dam. Ice dams prevent water from draining and instead it pools up on the roof. The water starts to seep in through the roof shingles and into the attic, causing water damage to both the roof and the attic.
This problem arises as a result of trapped heat in the attic. Properly ventilating the attic will prevent the trapping of heat. You should also get your attic insulated, if you haven’t already, to prevent energy escaping from your house into the attic. Inspect your roof to detect and replace any faulty shingles before the winter season arrives. It’s more cost-effective than having to replace the entire roof.
Melting Snow
When the snow accumulated around the perimeter of your house begins to melt, it can seep far down into the soil and leak through your basement walls. To prevent this, shovel away the gathered snow before it starts to melt. Look out for any cracks in your basement and seal them.
Call STOP Restoration of Spokane
Despite adhering to all the precautions, water can still make its way into your home. If your home has been devastated by winter water damage, contact STOP Restoration of Spokane. Our team of experts uses advanced instruments to detect the level of water damage, remove any moisture and water from your home, and restore it to its former pristine condition. Dial 509-818-7744 to schedule an appointment. For more details, click here.
