Winter Weather Water Damage Risks

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home no matter the time of year, but many people will be surprised to learn that it can even happen during the winter. When snow thaws due to warming temperatures, it can affect your house in a variety of ways that it otherwise would not the rest of the year. This article will describe the causes, signs, and defensive tactics of winter weather damage risk. Learn how to prevent water damage this winter.

Causes of Winter Water Damage

There are an assortment of ways winter can cause water damage to your home. These include, but are not limited to: 

Ice dams – Ice dams form when snow melts and freezes again near the edges of the roof, blocking the drainage of melting snow. It can lead to pooling of water and can find a way into walls or ceilings.

Frozen pipes – The more time you spend indoors the more water is used. Water expands when it freezes, and the pipes can burst under the pressure it forms in the pipes.

Roof leaks – Damage from snow buildup can amplify the overall effect of the roof of your home. It can cause your roof to sag and become prone to leaking over time.

Burst water heaters – Water heaters that are not maintained properly or are old can fail when working too hard to counteract the cold. This may cause the heater to break and spill water.

Flooding – Excessive rain, melting of snow, or sometimes both forms of precipitation, the runoff can be more than the area can handle. This means the water can seep into your home and lead to water damage.

Clogging drains – Clogged drains from ice dams, branches, and leaves can force water to not drain from the house properly. This may cause water to seep into the ceiling and walls.

Clogged gutters – Besides ice dams, water overflow caused by clogged gutters can lead to damage to the siding and foundation.

Signs of Water Damage

Identifying signs of water damage is crucial when trying to minimize winter weather water damage. This will help you figure out the cause, as well as seek out the right solution for your issue.

Water Stains

Cold air will not absorb as much moisture as warm air. This leads to excessive condensation on cold surfaces like water pipes and window panes. If your home is too humid, this condensation can drip onto wood, carpet, drywall, and other surfaces prone to water damage and cause water stains.

Ceiling Water Damage

Ceiling water damage over time, when not taken seriously, can create devastating amounts of destruction to your home as well as your belongings. Sagging, mold or mildew, a damp or discolored surface, or watermarks near baseboards or trim may all be signs there is water damage on the ceiling of your home.

Furniture Water Damage

Water damage may be difficult to spot at first. The source of the water may come from the walls, floor, or foundation. If you have a couch, bookshelf, or other large piece of furniture against a wall or in the corner of the room, you may not be able to notice a sign of water damage. Be aware of discoloration or dampness in fabrics and other surfaces, and make sure to check any rooms you don’t spend as much time in.

Book a PureDry Service

When you need water damage restoration in the Seattle and Snohomish, Washington area, call and book a service with us! PureDry also offers many other residential restoration services that suit your needs.

• Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Removal
• Residential Construction Services
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Sewage Cleanup

Defensive Tactics

Taking the right precautions to protect your home from excessive winter water damage is an important step in prolonging the lifespan of your property. Prevention measures can also help lessen the financial and emotional implications of  water damage. It will also protect you from some of the health risks of water damage, including mold and damp conditions which can worsen respiratory issues and allergies, particularly for children and seniors.

Insulating Pipes

Insulating your pipes during cold weather helps regulate the internal temperature of the pipes. Keeping the internal temperature above 32 degrees Fahrenheit prevents water from freezing, thus preventing the bursting of pipes while making sure your household plumbing system is functioning properly.

Sealing Cracks and Gaps

Sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation of your home will help prevent flooding. This will help block excess water from snow melts and heavy rain from seeping back up through the ground and into your house.

Clearing Gutters and Downspouts

Clearing your gutters and downspouts from blockages will allow them to carry water away from your home as it is intended. This in turn helps prevent excessive water from pooling on your roof and near the foundation. 

Maintaining Heating Systems

Regularly maintaining your heating system allows your system to operate efficiently and smoothly during the winter months. Regulating the temperature inside your home properly while it is cold outside also helps prevent pipes from bursting due to freezing water.

Protect Your Property With PureDry

You need to act quickly when your home is facing winter water damage. Restoring the affected areas is crucial to minimizing further damage. At Pure Dry we are here to help you. We offer comprehensive water removal services designed to address all vulnerable areas.

Professional Services: Our experienced team is trained to handle water removal and restoration with expertise.

Areas Covered: From basements to attics, walls, floors, and HVAC systems, we address flood damage in all areas of your property.

Thorough Restoration: We ensure thorough cleanup and restoration to minimize the long-term impact of flood water damage.

24/7 Service

If you or someone you know is in the middle of a water crisis this winter, there is no need to panic. Call the experts of PureDry! Our 24/7 disaster response teams will be on our way in 60 minutes or less. We’re available round-the-clock, even in harsh winter conditions, to respond promptly to flood water emergencies.