As winter approaches, it is crucial to take ways to protect your home against winter storm damage. The freezing weather, accompanied by snow, ice, and wind can wreak havoc on your property. Winter can be the worst season for your home. Even homes or properties located in areas with mild winter, like in Southern California, can still become a victim of winter damage. To keep your home, as well as your family and personal belongings safe this winter, follow these preventative tips.
Tips To Protect Your Home From Winter Damage
A snowstorm may seem peaceful, but it can greatly impact your home. In fact, a winter storm can leave billions of dollars in damage. Thus, as a homeowner, you want to make sure that your property can withstand the inclement weather of winter.
1. Take care of your roof.
Aside from the hurricane season, the winter season can also damage roof elements due to strong wind storms. Strong winds can loosen, tear off, or break off shingles, siding, and roof flashing. When this happens, the damaged area can allow moisture from snow, sleet, and meltwater to seep inside your property. If not attended to immediately can lead to serious water damage.
What to do: Before the first winter storm occurs, inspect your roof and do the necessary repairs. You may also consider trimming trees that are overhanging your home and removing any dead branches that could possibly break off and damage your roof.
2. Keep your gutters and drainage clear.
In winter, some areas in the U.S. experience increased rainfall, which will result in high cases of water damage. Thus, it is important to make sure that your gutters are ready for them. Gutters and drainage with accumulated debris can lead to blockage which can cause rainwater or meltwater to seep into your home.
What To Do: Clean your gutters, as well as your drainage system, before the winter sets in. Use a shovel to remove dirt and debris and dispose of them properly. You can also use a garden hose to clear out your gutters. You may also need to consider extending your downspout to ensure that water is directed away from your home.
3. Prevent ice dam formation.
Ice dams form when the meltwater runs down to the colder part of the roof and refreezes. As the ice continues to form, it causes blockage and prevents snowmelt from draining properly. This can result in water seepage and damage to your insulation, walls, ceilings, and other nearby areas. Worse is, ice tends to be very heavy and can damage your gutters which can present danger.
What to do: Eliminate any heat sources under your roof, like heaters and lights, and keep your attic well ventilated and cool to prevent or slow down the refreezing cycle. Ask a roof professional for help if an ice dam begins to form.
4. Prevent water damage.
The winter weather can bring an increased risk of water damage to your home. Aside from ice dams that can cause water to leak through your roof, uninsulated pipes may freeze and burst, and thawed snow can cause flooding to your basement, which can lead to water damage. Fortunately, there are many ways to help prevent it from happening this winter.
Insulate pipes that are located in unheated areas of your home like the basement, garage, attic, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Insulate the attic floor and properly ventilate the attic itself to keep warm air from melting snow or ice on your roof.
Trickle water from faucets that are connected to the exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet door to allow the circulation of warm air around the pipes.
Caulk holes and cracks in the outer part of your home’s foundation and walls, including those holes used for cable installation.
Lastly, if you have to leave your home for a day or an extended period of time, make sure to turn off the main water valve, drain pipes, and water-related appliances, and turn the heat down to at least 10 degrees Celsius.
For Professional Water Damage Restoration Services, Contact Superior Restoration!
These preventative measures can help you protect your home or property from winter storm damage. But, if your home sustains water damage this winter, the professionals at Superior Restoration are available and ready to provide you with high-quality water damage cleanup and restoration services. We are here to help you 24/7. Call us anytime if you need us.
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