Although water damage can happen year-round, the cold weather during winter creates specific issues that may cause water damage which aren’t typically a concern at other times of the year. Because of this, winter storms cause billions of dollars in damage every year in the United States. The following overview will help you understand the three different types of common winter water damage that can affect your home or business.
Water Damage Caused by Freezing Pipes
Freezing pipes are probably one of the most well-known culprits of water damage in the winter. When water freezes and becomes ice, its particles expand, putting pressure on the pipes. This can sometimes push the pipes past their elastic capacity, causing the pipes to burst. Once a pipe bursts, you will most likely have a serious water damage issue in your home or business that requires prompt action to prevent more serious problems from developing.
Although pipes can freeze almost anywhere in your home or business, they are most likely to freeze and burst in spaces that are unheated. This may include areas like the basement, garage, storage rooms, or attic. The pipes running through these areas of a building may not seem like the most essential ones to the functionality of your home or business since unheated areas are generally low importance and low traffic areas, but many of the pipes that feed to other areas of a building run through these unheated areas. Therefore, it is good to keep an eye on these pipes during the wintertime and to contact a water damage restoration company if they burst.
Roof Damage from the Weight of Snow or Ice
Roofs are one of the most common areas of the house at risk for water damage during the winter. The buildup of snow and ice on your roof becomes heavy over time, putting a lot of pressure on your roof. Sometimes this can lead to part of your roof sagging, getting a hole in it, or collapsing. Older roofs are especially at risk for this type of winter water damage.
Heavy snow and ice accumulation can cause serious damage to homes and businesses. Snow buildup on rooftops can lead to water damage from melting snow, while ice dams can create pools of standing water that seep into walls and ceilings. Ice accumulation around foundations and walkways can cause cracking and other structural issues as the ground expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Residential Roof Damage from Snow
The average lifespan of a roof is around 15-20 years, and snow damage can be a contributing factor to its failure. In snow-prone areas, roofs must be regularly maintained in order to protect against snow damage. This includes removing snow buildup from rooftop drains and keeping snow off vulnerable areas of the roof. If snow is left on the roof, it can cause sections to sag. Sagging areas over time are prone to leaking.
Residential Roof Damage from Ice
Ice buildup can be detrimental to your home. In snow-prone areas, roofs can be prone to ice dams. Ice dams form when the snow melts and then refreezes near the eaves of the roof. As snow accumulates on top of the ice, water pools up behind it and finds its way into walls or ceilings, causing serious water damage.
Commercial Roof Damage from Snow
For snow-heavy regions, commercial properties should be regularly inspected and snow removal services hired as needed to prevent snow damage. These inspections should include the evaluation of snow on the roof, ice buildup near gutters, water intrusion, or potential structural weakness caused by snow accumulation and ice dams.
Commercial Roof Damage from Ice
Ice damage can be equally damaging to commercial properties. Commercial roofs are prone to ice dams, snow buildup, and water infiltration. In addition to roofing inspections, snow removal services should be hired to clear excess snow from walkways and parking lots. This prevents the formation of dangerous ice patches that can cause slips or falls which create liability issues for your business.
Flood Damage from Melting Snow or Excessive Rain
Whether the winter precipitation in your area takes the form of rain, snow or both, it has the potential to flood your home or business. When the snow melts rapidly due to a warmer period during the middle or end of the winter, or your area experiences heavy winter rainfall, the runoff can be excessive and result in flooding to your home or business. In these situations, the water damage caused by this flooding needs to be cleaned up by a water damage restoration professional immediately to prevent additional issues from developing.
How to Spot Moisture Accumulation in Your Business or Home
Many snow and ice damage-related issues occur over a period of time, so it’s important to be alert for signs of water intrusion. Moisture accumulation can be spotted in several ways, including:
- The presence of mold or mildew
- Damp walls or ceilings that become discolored
- Water marks along baseboards or trim work
- Musty smells
- Water bubbling up from below laminate flooring
- Condensation on your windows
Cousino Restoration & Environmental Can Help After Winter Water Damage in Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan
If your home or business has experienced water damage after harsh winter weather, time is of the essence. It’s critical to work with an experienced water damage restoration company as soon as you detect the signs of water damage to ensure the process is handled properly and future issues are avoided. At Cousino Damage Restoration Experts, we’re the go-to restoration partner after water damage in Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan.
Cousino Damage Restoration Experts offers 24/7 emergency response water damage restoration services, and our team will arrive at your home or business any time of day or night to begin addressing the problem. Our team can handle every aspect of the water damage restoration process, from initial assessment through all final repairs and reconstruction work, ensuring a hassle-free experience. In addition, we regularly work with insurance companies, and our team will coordinate with your insurance provider to make sure all documentation is handled properly, and you receive the full compensation to which you’re entitled.
Contact us today at 419-874-9500 to schedule an appointment. Cousino Damage Restoration Experts serves customers in Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan.