When winter arrives in Snohomish County, homeowners can count on two things: more rain and a higher risk of water damage. Water damage can enter your home from all sides, inside and out, but where there’s a problem, there’s a solution.
At PureDry, it’s our job to provide solutions. We specialize in preventing water damage through homeowner education and restoring water damage with expert crews and advanced equipment. In this blog, we’ll give you all the info you need to keep water outside this winter.
But surprises still happen, so keep us in mind during water emergencies. Our expert team will be on our way in 60 minutes or less to provide efficient, proven water removal services.
Have an Emergency? Call Now!
Common Causes of Water Damage in the Winter
Winter is Snohomish’s wet season, which means there’s ample opportunity for water to enter and damage your home. Here are some of the most frequent culprits.
Ice Dams
Clogged gutters and broken roofs sometimes lead to ice damming. Ice dams prevent snow and rain from flowing off your roof. Water then puddles and leaks into your home.
Burst Pipes
Poorly insulated pipes are prone to bursting during winter. This is because water freezes inside the pipes, expands, and causes ruptures.
Floods From Melting Snow
If you have cracks in your foundation or basement windows, heavy snowfall can cause floods. Having an operational sump pump is critical to avoiding flood damage.
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Essential Precautions For Seattle Homeowners To Prevent Water Damage
Being proactive is always your best bet, so consider taking the following precautions to avoid water damage this winter.
Inspect Roofing Regularly
Your roof has several entry points for water damage, so it’s important to consistently survey its condition. This is especially relevant after heavy rains and snow.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters can easily become clogged with leaves and other debris, so be sure to clean them a couple of times per year.
Inspect Your Foundation
Cracks in your foundation provide easy entry for rain and snow. Sealing these cracks will prevent widespread damage.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Take a look at your downspouts to ensure they drain water away from your home. Poor drainage allows water to pool around your foundation.
Install a Sump Pump
A sump pump is your best defense against flood damage. Sump pumps will remove excess water from your basement if it floods.
Seal Windows and Doors
Caulking and sealant wear down over time, so check the edges of your windows and doors throughout winter. If you notice any weaknesses, it’s important to re-seal those areas immediately.
Inspect Indoor Plumbing
Check all your appliances and fixtures to make sure they aren’t leaking. Pipes, water heaters, and refrigerators are especially prone to leaks.
Insulate Pipes in Cold Areas
Poorly insulated pipes are prone to ruptures. The water inside these pipes freezes, expands, and bursts the pipe, causing water damage and mold growth in walls.
Improve Basement Sealing
Applying a waterproof sealant to walls and floors can prevent water from seeping into your basement. A basement sump pump can only do so much, so it’s important to safeguard the area in other ways.
Install Water Alarms
Water alarms alert you to excess water in your home. These devices help you catch issues that would have gone unnoticed.
Monitor Humidity Levels
If you’re wondering how to prevent mold after water damage, invest in a dehumidifier. High humidity levels promote mold growth, which can occur 24 to 48 hours after water damage. But you can easily lower the moisture in your air by using a dehumidifier.
Have an Emergency? Call Now!
Creating Your Water Damage Prevention Plan
With a quality plan in place, water damage hardly stands a chance against you and your home. Let’s prepare you for all that winter may throw your way.
1. Regular Home Inspections
Professional inspections of your roof, plumbing system, drainage system, and foundation will catch any issues before they become disasters. Repairs can be made on the spot, bolstering your home against winter water damage.
2. Create an Emergency Contact List
When water damage strikes, it’s important to have an emergency support system. Be sure to have a list of water damage services on hand. Companies like PureDry offer 24/7 live calls and comprehensive water extraction services. When you’re away from home for an extended period, have an available neighbor or family member check on your home in case of an emergency.
3. Plan for Seasonal Maintenance
When leaves fall, they can clog your gutters and downspouts. If these systems aren’t cleaned, blockages can cause water damage. Generally, gutters should be cleaned and unclogged twice a year.
Have an Emergency? Call Now!
Emergency Preparations For Snohomish Homeowners
Unfortunately, no plan is foolproof. That’s a fact of life, and it’s a fact of water damage, too. But you can still avoid severe damage by taking the following steps.
Purchase Leak Detectors
Like sump pump installation, leak detector installation lowers your chances of suffering extreme water damage. A leak detector can alert you to excess water in your home, allowing you to act fast.
Note Water Shut-Off Locations
When the source of water damage is inside your home, like a burst pipe, for example, you can reduce the severity of damages by turning off the water supply. This is also a great way to prevent mold after water damage.
Form a Quick Response Strategy
The first thing you should do after shutting off your water supply is contact a water damage restoration company like PureDry. While you wait for the experts to arrive, you can manage leaks using buckets, towels, or dehumidifiers. If your damage is in the basement and you have a sump pump installed, the sump pump will work to remove excess water.
Trust PureDry With Repairing Winter Water Damage
When winter arrives in Snohomish, water damage isn’t far behind. But PureDry keeps water damage in check, using advanced restoration techniques and high-grade equipment to return homes to normal after floods, leaks, and mold growths. We also offer commercial water removal services, helping companies through water emergencies like its business as usual.
With the right plan in place, you can avoid water damage altogether, but for those times when the elements are too strong, there’s PureDry. We’ll be on our way in 60 minutes or less, ready to eliminate water damage and restore your peace of mind.
We service everything from water removal to full water damage repair, so give us a call 24/7 at (425) 600-7560 or contact us online. We look forward to helping you!
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