29 Oct 3 Major Causes of Winter Water Damage

Winter is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: making sure to protect your home from the freezing temperatures once again. It seems simple enough, but most homeowners tend to miss some of the most crucial spots of their homes and end up with a hefty repair bill on their hands. Here are three major causes of winter water damage you may encounter this year.

Weather

You likely think about protecting your home from the freezing temperatures of winter, but you also need to worry about the issues that occur during the actual weather itself. One of the most serious of these issues is ice dams. Ice dams are large chunks of ice that accumulate on the side of a roof when drains and snow become frozen overnight. These ice dams can do some serious damage to the interior and exterior parts of your home if they are not taken care of prior to the winter months. One of the most common reasons for the formation of these dams is the unevenness of the temperature of your roof and the closest thing to it (the attic for most). According to Allstate, icicles can be a sign of ice dams, but you should keep in mind that ice dams can form without them, too. If you do not remove any heat source within the attic, it can lead to snow not melting and eventually running down your roof to create an ice dam.

Not Winterizing

Unfortunately, there have not been any monumental innovations in the prevention of frozen pipes during the winter months. In fact, frozen pipes are often the most common of winter water damage. Some might debate whether summer should hold that distinction, but winter can cause more water damage than summer. During the warm season, the pipes take a break from the heat whereas during the winter, the cold temperatures remain day and night. Therefore, it is imperative that you make sure that all your piping is protected. This can be accomplished by leaving water dripping as to allow a constant flow of water or directing hot air towards these pipes. Beachcomber Home Leisure points out that even hot tubs can cause water damage if they aren’t properly maintained. If the water levels get too low, then the pipes and pump can freeze, damaging not only the tub, but also the area around it.

Outside Water Sources

Believe it or not, even outside water sources can cause damage to your home. One of the most common of these is your pipes that provide water to something like a gardening hose. Always make sure to remove your hose every winter season and to drain any water trapped inside. It is also recommended to shut off any valves attributed to those pipes as they can easily burst from freezing temperatures and flood your home with gallons of water. 

Winter can be one of the most magical times of the year, but it can also be one of the most damaging for your home. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you take into consideration these tips the next time you prepare your home for the winter months. 

Have you already suffered water damage? Call our experts today.