Cold Weather Issues That Lead to Water Damage

 

When people think of water damage, usually their minds are immediately taken to the harsh rain we get in spring and summer. Truthfully, many water damage issues are caused by the external forces of those seasons! However, that doesn’t mean that other seasons won’t cause problems as well. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have water damage in your home, and here are the red flags you need to look out for:

 

Frozen Pipes

In the wintertime, frozen pipes are one of the most common sources of water damage. And, from here, the pipes can burst and cause water to sneak in through your walls or floors. The best way to prevent this is by properly insulating your home and sealing any cracks or holes in your foundation or outside walls — especially the areas near your pipes!

 

Melting Snow

After a good snowstorm, your home can be covered head to toe with this icy white blanket that’s just waiting to give you issues. As the days go on, all that snow is bound to melt. And, as the snow melts, it can seep into your house’s foundation and get in through your roof or siding. Check your basement and attic often during the winter to ensure no water is getting in.

 

Ice Dams

With the curve of your roof, snow or water tends to always build up around one area (usually right at the edge). With the heat of your home warming the snow above and this snow blocking the border, it causes water back up. This, of course, leads to water pooling or leaking in spots it’s not supposed to.

To prevent trouble this season, ensure that your gutters and downspouts are properly maintained and cleaned. Not only that, but it’s essential that you insulate your attic — since the heat from your home really shouldn’t be reaching up there. Your attic should be airtight, with no possible openings to cause the snow to melt even faster!

 

Contact Us For All Your Water Damage Removal Needs!

Cleaning and taking care of your home after a water damage mishap can be difficult to deal with, and it is often best to bring in some professionals to help. Contact GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration to take care of your ducts, attics, crawl spaces, and water damage needs.

How to Prevent and Deal with Ice Dams

Many people think that the icy wall slowly forming along the edge of their roofline during winter is harmless and picturesque. What you might not know is that these formations, called ice dams, can collect water that backs up underneath shingles and seeps into homes. By the time you notice the damage, you'll need extensive repair work at the worst possible time of year, at a cost that may bust your budget.

When you learn how to prevent and deal with ice dams correctly, you can erase your worries about this common source of winter water damage. 

How to Prevent Ice Dams from Forming on Your Home

1. Make sure you have adequate attic insulation.

Check to be sure that your attic insulation provides the minimum R-value your local building codes require. Make sure the insulation forms a complete blanket across your attic floor, without gaps.

2. Close up areas of heat exchange from the main floor.

Heat loss from your living space rises into your attic, which triggers ice dam formation.

Seal any air leaks from gaps in drywall, light fixtures, plumbing, electrical wiring, chimneys, and even the attic access door. Exhaust fans must vent to the home's exterior and not into the attic space.

3. Unblock or add attic and roof vents.

If your attic feels warm, you must increase airflow between the outside and your attic.

Add more vents to the roof and eaves if necessary. Ensure storage containers or leaf debris never block vents.

How to Deal with Ice Dams that Form on Your Home

Getting rid of ice dams after they establish can be tricky business. Working in cold weather with ladders, rakes, de-icers, or heat cabling can be dangerous. If possible, hire a company that specializes in ice dam removal. Call a professional remediation service to deal with any water leak damage, and provide ways to stop future ice dams from forming before they ruin your holiday season.

Need assistance with water damage? Contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration.