- By Lou
- In Plumbing, Renovation, water damage
3 Top Causes of Winter Water Damage
When the temperature falls in winter months, property damage often increases due to strong winds, snow, rain, and ice. The frigid weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Moisture finds its way into dwellings causing water damage and mold growth. This can cause pipes to freeze and burst, but it also might cause damage property by allowing moisture to enter and cause water damage and mold growth.
Let’s look at the three top causes of winter water damage.
- Pipes: A burst pipe is usually due to a buildup of water pressure between the outlet and the blockage, like ice. If you have uninsulated pipes or unheated areas of your home where lines run, you have a higher chance of this occurring. Don’t let winter get the best of your pipes anymore.
- Gutters: Regularly clearing your gutters in the fall will prevent a headache in the winter/spring. Any debris left can hold water which will then freeze, adding weight and ice buildup in the gutters. This situation keeps water from going down the spouts on warmer days and creates what’s referred to as an ice dam. If left untreated, the water can back up into your shingles, making a much bigger issue to handle later.
- Exterior: All outside hoses need to be disconnected, drained, and stored inside. Turn off all water supplies to outdoor spigots. After shutting the water off, an important step is to drain and flush any remaining water in the lines to prevent a frozen line that could rupture once you turn the water back on in the spring.
If you are experiencing water damage, make sure to call a professional water mitigation company, so they can dry out your structure quickly and effectively. After 24 hours, mold can grow if the water isn’t properly removed. If mold is found it can sometimes be removed. However, if it grows on porous materials it may have to be replaced. If you do not act quickly, these materials properly could spread mold throughout a house.
Sometimes even when you do your best, the unexpected happens. In the instance that you need professional assistance with any issues, LM Companies is licensed for water damage and restoration. We are available 24-7 for water, fire, and odor damage in Northeast Ohio, including all major holidays! Contact us today to begin the process of restoring your residential or commercial property.
