You Can Protect Your Home From Winter Water Damage

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home due to a leaky roof or another cause, contact us right away. SERVPRO of Putnam County is available 24/7.

According to industry experts, about one in every 50 American homeowners will file a water damage claim in 2020. Water damage claims cover a variety of issues—from major natural disasters to busted pipes.

With regular maintenance, you may be able to avoid some of the common problems that cause homes to need repairs.

Homes can suffer water damage at any time during the year. But it’s important to keep in mind the seasonal dangers that are unique, especially in places with harsh winters like we have here in Putnam County.

The Power of Preventive Maintenance

If you want to protect your family’s investment from hazards like water damage, there are steps you can take to do so.

What should you do before the weather gets colder? Experts have some advice about places to look when you’re getting your home ready to weather winter’s unique home maintenance needs:

Preserve your home’s pipes. Plumbing problems are the most common reason homeowners file claims during the cold winter months. You don’t have to be one of them. If there’s a winter storm or particularly cold night coming, leave the faucets in your home dripping. It doesn’t have to be much. All you need is water flowing to protect your plumbing.

It all starts with getting the gutters clean. Most articles about protecting your home from water damage will mention cleaning out your gutters. This is especially important in the winter when leftover fall debris and colder temperatures can lead to overflowing water and ice.

Check your foundation. Water damage in basements is a common reason homeowners need remediation services. Additionally, water seeping into cracks during the winter, and freezing can cause cracks to widen. That happens because water expands when it freezes. You can stop the process by ensuring your foundation doesn’t have cracks to allow water into your home.

Find spots that need to be sealed. Like checking the foundation, this step is important because water expands when it freezes. If shingles, siding or window panes aren’t secure, they can allow water to seep into your home and freeze. As the ice thaws and the water melts, these cracks gradually allow water into your home and cause problems that lead to repairs and remediation.

If a busted pipe, leaky gutter, or other winter hazard damages your home, our team is here to help you restore your home. You can get in touch with us ²⁴⁄₇.