Water always finds a way to harm possessions in any respect, including winter. Additionally, thawed snow can enter the basement, causing flooding and, thus, water damage. Here is what property owners can do to prevent winter damage in their houses. 

How to Prevent Winter Water Damage from Houses

Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Water pipes must be insulated in unheated areas — the crawl space, basement, garage, attic, and under kitchen and bath cabinets.
• Both hot and cold water pipes must be insulated with heat tape or another insulator.
• A warmer atmosphere should be permitted to circulate around the plumbing by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. The goods stored in these cabinets should be moved up, out of the reach of children and pets.
• Coldwater needs to be allowed to drip from the faucets served by exposed pipes.
• The thermostat should be set to the same temperature throughout the day and at night. While the heating prices may grow, pipes will be less prone to freeze and burst.
• When leaving home for a day or longer, homeowners should place the thermostat to 10 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the water source and drain pipes, and appliances that use water ought to be shut off. The master valve to the home should be shut off. Additionally, a trustworthy individual should check the home once per week.
• Another cold water damage prevention tip is to be careful when thawing frozen pipes.

Prevent Ice Dams

• Ice dams form at the edges of the roof once the heat in the loft causes snow onto the roof to melt, which in turn refreezes at the gutters.
• The snow on the roof should be removed when it is about 15 cm deep. To take out the snow with no ladder, it is best to use a roof rake or a long-handled brush. Warm air can melt the snow on the roof, that refreezes, forming ice dams. The temperature at the loft must be held between 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. If insulation has to be replaced, the damaged roof area should be repaired first.
• Assuming that the attic is properly ventilated. Warm air should escape through vents near the top of the attic. Cold air should flow in through vents near the eaves.
• Installing a water membrane underneath the roof shingles. It will help prevent water from seeping in.
• Installing a snow shield to prevent leaks. The shield goes under the shingles starting from the low edge of the roof and extending up at least one meter inside the exterior wall of the house.
• Installing gutter displays to keep the debris out which causes build-up and harm.

Snow on Roofs

• Snow needs to be removed when it is about 15 cm deep; differently, the thick snow can result in property damage.
• Those who live in a one-story house should stay on the floor and use a rake with a telescopic handle to remove the snow on the roof. Rakes may also be used to clear the overhangs in taller homes.
• Individuals who are going to shovel snow out of a roof should make sure the ladder is stable and that they have a security exploit. For sloped roofs, shoveling should begin at the shape and end at the eaves.

Other Winter Water Damage Security Tips

• Water flow detectors must be installed everywhere a water problem may happen, like on sump pumps, near water-bearing fixtures, and behind or under pipes.
• The water supply lines should be assessed annually for leaks. Appliances which can leak include the water heater, washing machine, ice machine in the refrigerator, and more.
• Property owners must buy a sewage backup policy. Heavy rains and melting snow may overload the stormwater system, inducing sewage or water to back up into the home.
• Outdoor hoses must be disconnected when not in use. This prevents water from freezing at the line, developing a blockage that could cause backflow.

For water damage restoration, contact PuroClean!

The PuroClean team stands ready to provide expert restoration solutions to some property affected by mold or water damage, in addition to smoke & fire damage and flood cleanup. Click here for more information.