3 Causes of Winter Home Water Damage

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Holland/W. Ottawa County is Here to Help you with your winter water damage

Water damage can occur at any time of year.  Cold temperatures and inclement weather can combine to trigger winter weather damage such as leaks, bursts, and water intrusion.  To reduce seasonal risks, be aware of the following common sources of water damage in winter:

• Frozen Pipes - ice forming in a water supply line can cause internal pressure and rupture pipes, releasing hundreds of gallons per hour.  Make sure to install pipe insulation on all supply pipes potentially exposed to freezing temperatures such as in the crawl space or attic.  When a hard freeze is forecasted, open faucets slightly to drip to relieve pressure if pipes freeze.  If water flow stops during extreme cold, assume a pipe has frozen.

• Ice Dams - when the underside of the upper portion of the roof is disproportionately warm, snow melts faster.  Water runs down to the colder portion of the roof then freezes again, obstructing flow of runoff into gutters.  Pooling water then seeps through shingles and sub-roofing and causes water damage in the attic.  Uneven roof warming is caused by excess attic warmth.  To prevent ice dams, make sure the attic is properly ventilated to remain uniformly cold.  Seal ceiling cracks, gaps and other openings with caulk to prevent unnecessary heat loss into the attic.

• Snow Melt - melting snow around the perimeter of the house can saturate deep into the soil and leak through the foundation and basement walls.  Make sure to shovel any accumulated snow away from the house before melting occurs.  Seal cracks and gaps in the basement wall and, if you don't have one, install a sump pump.

Has your home been affected by winter weather damage?  Call SERVPRO of Holland/W. Ottawa County, we are Here to Help, (616) 396-8180