Though the holiday season may be gone, the cold winter is here to stay for a while. Cold weather brings a lot of frustrations. You have to bundle up before taking the dog for a walk. You have to warm your car up in the morning. Plus, you’re paying a higher electric bill from having to turn up the thermostat a few degrees. However, one of the biggest frustrations that cold weather brings is its risk of water damage. Cold weather causes water damage for a variety of reasons, all of which we describe below, as well as why water damage repair is necessary.
Common Causes of Water Damage in the Winter Season
There are five common ways cold weather causes water damage during the winter season. These include:
- Burst pipes caused by freezing temperatures
- Leaky water heater
- Melting ice and snow
- Poorly insulated pipes
- Overflowing gutter
Burst Pipes (And How They Happen)
Burst pipes are common during the winter season since the temperatures are so low. Pipes are in danger of freezing when temperatures outside dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below. When pipes freeze, it causes the water inside them to freeze and expand. This pressure ultimately becomes too much for the pipes, causing them to burst.
If you know that temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s or lower, be sure to drip your faucets to prevent freezing. Likewise, if you can, keep the cabinet doors open to your bathroom and kitchen pipes. The warm air circulating in your house will prevent them from freezing and bursting.
Leaky Water Heater
Another common headache homeowners face in the winter season are leaky water heaters. When temperatures get low, it forces your water heater to work faster. However, this can be a disaster if your water heater is old, damaged, or filled with sediments.
A broken water heater can be costly, so be on the lookout for any signs of unusual noises or leaks. While water heaters can leak any time during the year, the winter season sees an uptick in leaks.
Melting Ice and Snow
Snowfall is beautiful to look at while it’s happening, but not so much the day after. When ice and snow start to melt, it turns to liquid that can seep into your home’s foundation, your roof, or around doors and windows. This means that you could end up collecting water in these areas of your home, which may ultimately cause damage.
In many cases, you may not realize the damage has occurred until you discover mold. Mold develops when exposed to high levels of humidity and after water exposure. For example, your attic is a prime spot since the condensation and humidity levels will be high.
This is why, after a snowfall, it’s best to clear it from your property (including your roof) as soon as possible.
Poorly Insulated Pipes
This goes back to the burst pipes. In many cases, pipes freeze because they’re poorly insulated. During the winter season, it’s recommended that you be proactive and insulate your pipes ahead of time. Fit your pipes with foam or fiberglass sleeves to keep them protected. Or, you can wrap towels around your pipes. If you do this, just make sure they’re wrapped tightly and secured with duct tape.
Overflowing Gutters
Gutters are meant to dispose of water safely; however, during a snowfall or winter storm, that may not be possible. A gutter can quickly be filled with dirt, trash, branches, and leaves any time during the year. However, during the winter season, these cold snaps can leave snow and ice in your gutter as well.
When an obstruction like this forms, it forces the water to be pushed over the side of the gutter. This allows water to drain near your home’s foundation, which can cause water damage and mold.
You should routinely check your gutters for these obstructions, but it’s especially important after a winter storm.
Why Water Damage Repair is Necessary
The winter season has enough frustrations. Cleaning up after water damage shouldn’t be one of them. A professional water damage repair company will treat water damage at the source. They have the tools, such as wet-dry vacuums and dehumidifiers, to actively remove water moisture from both your home and the air.
Contact PNW Restoration for Water Damage Repair Today
Did your home suffer water damage this winter season? Don’t handle it alone. Call the water damage repair team at PNW Restoration to schedule an appointment. We have the tools and knowledge necessary to safely clean your home and disinfect it. Our team has been preparing for the winter season and we can tend to your burst pipes or other ailments quickly and efficiently. We can be reached at 971-247-3470.
