Winter weather is not just a nuisance for getting to school or work. It can damage your home and lead to water damage or mold. How can you predict and minimize damage? Here are some common types of winter weather damage.
What Are Some Common Types of Winter Weather Damage?
- Roof damage. Whether it’s from falling branches, the weight of ice and snow on your roof, or ice dams pushing water into your attic, roof damage is one of the most common types of winter storm damage. The best way to prevent damage to your roof is to make sure trees on your property are trimmed before storms. You should also make sure your gutters are clear, so that ice and snow can melt and flow freely off of the roof.
- Burst pipes. When the weather gets cold enough, water can freeze in your pipes. Ice takes up more space than water, increasing pressure in a closed pipe. Eventually, this can lead to the pipe bursting from the pressure at a weak point. The best way to make sure your pipes don’t burst is to make sure they’re insulated or heated, so they cannot freeze. However, an easy solution for uninsulated pipes is to allow the faucet to drip, which relieves pressure in the pipe.
- Hail and wind damage. Snow storms can come with high winds. Even worse, winter storms can include dangerous hail. Wind and hail can damage your roof and break your windows. The best way to prevent wind damage is to make sure trees are trimmed and any small objects in your yard are removed before a storm, so objects and branches aren’t thrown into your house by the storm. Hail damage is harder to prepare for, but by keeping your roof in good repair you can prevent the worst of hail damage.
What Should I Do if My Home Is Damaged in a Storm?
Once your home is damaged by winter weather, it’s time to call in the professionals.
- If your roof is damaged or leaking, calling in a professional is a matter of safety. While you should get professional help with your roof year-round, in the winter, it’s especially important that you don’t try to climb on an icy roof yourself.
- If you have water damage in your home, you should call a professional to repair the damage. Not only can water damage quickly get worse if the cause isn’t correctly fixed, mold can quickly grow in wet conditions. Water damage caused by burst pipes or roof leaks can be out of sight and allow mold to grow unnoticed. It’s important to fix it as soon as possible.
Green Restoration Can Help
At Green Restoration, we can help you repair your home after a winter storm, no matter what kind of damage you have. If you have water damage, we can help you repair the cause of the water damage, then dry and repair the damage itself to prevent mold growth. We are happy to assist with direct insurance billing, and will work with your homeowner’s insurance, which might cover some of the repair costs. Contact us today for a free quote.