Winter Weather Water Damage Hazards

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 Marietta

Here are six of the most serious winter water damage hazards to be aware of from our cleaning and restoration pros at Dry Pros.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are the perennial winter water damage threat. Anyone who lives in cold weather is familiar with managing this threat. The good news is that preventing water damage from frozen pipes is pretty simple. The bad news these simple steps require constant attention. 

Keep a close eye on the outside temperatures. When they drop 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.

Ice Dams

Ice Dams are formed by layers of snow and ice that build up in the eaves of your roof and gutters. This buildup thus causes dams that block the water from flowing off your roof. This then can direct the water into your home down the interior walls. Preventative tips include regularly inspecting your roof for damage, clearing your gutters and downspouts of debris, and installing a water-repellant membrane on your roof.

Snow Buildup

Large accumulations of snow can get extremely heavy. If the snow is not cleared away frequently, the weight will build up until it is enough to damage your roof. Moreover, failing to clear large piles of snow away from your home could lead to flooding when they melt since the melted snow will effectively create a giant puddle around your home.

Hail Damage

Hails comes in many different speeds and sizes. They can damage your siding, gutters, and roof. If hail damage is a common problem for you, you may want to consider replacing your roof with one that is impact-resistant.

Fire Damage

House fires are extremely common during harsh winter weather. This happens due to the increased strain on heating systems, furnaces, and electrical systems. Make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly prior to winter so you don’t end up needing space heaters if your heating system malfunctions since space heaters are a significant fire damage risk.

Severe Weather

Finally, severe weather is a common issue during the winter months. If you are not prepared, severe weather can damage your home and even create a path for water damage to make it into your home.

Don’t let these winter water damage threats get you down! Take steps ahead of time before the temperature plummets to fortify your home. Nonetheless, if any damage does occur, don’t hesitate before giving us a call at Dry Pros for help.