According to studies, the most water damage claims are made in January and February–the coldest months of the year. Especially in the colder states like Utah, it’s more likely for pipes to freeze leading to winter water damage. Additionally, older homes with poorly built moisture barriers may be to blame.
Learn three of the top causes of winter water damage and how to reduce your risk from the experts at Ally1 Disaster Solutions. This winter, spend less time worrying about water damage and more time enjoying the season with your family and friends. Top causes of winter damage are:
Water Damage In St. George
Broken Pipes
Burst pipes are dramatic! Water sprays on walls or bubbles up through floors. Gallons of water flood the hall or pour down the stairs. Not only the house, but also your possessions can get ruined. Although cold temperatures generally cause things to contract, ice has more volume than water so when it freezes inside a line. Frozen pipes build up significant pressure, which can lead to cracks and flooding once the ice melts.
One way to prevent pipes from cracking during extreme cold is to turn on your faucets to allow a slow but steady stream to escape. Make sure your outer walls and any exposed pipes are properly insulated. Caulk cracks and holes you see in your exterior walls to prevent cold air from reaching the pipes. Shield exposed pipes from freezing temperatures by wrapping them with the insulating tape or old towels.
For maximum protection against hidden or sudden leaks, install a detection system that can monitor water pressure and automatically signal a water shut-off in the event of a leak or blocked pipe. This technology can reduce the amount of damage caused by burst or frozen pipes in winter. For help winterizing your home, consider reaching out to your hometown support- Ally1 Disaster.
Ice Dams Lead To Roof Leaks
Icicles may be a beautiful photographic symbol of winter, but they can wreak havoc on your home. If your gutters are clogged, snow that melts off your roof won’t pass through the drainage system properly. As the water trapped in your gutters refreezes, a wall of heavy icicles build up, eventually causing ice dams. The melt from these ice dams can damage your roof and seep into your attic, causing structural damage or mold. Any ice melt that drips over the sides of your gutters has the potential to pool next to your home’s foundation and cause additional damage. Clean your gutters before the cold weather hits to keep the dangers of ice dams and roof leaks at bay.
Outdoor Faucets, Hoses, Spigots And Sprinklers
When the temperatures drop, you should shut off the water to your outdoor hoses and spigots. Drain any water from your hoses, and then store them so they don’t freeze, crack or break in the cold. Neglecting your outdoor water sources could cause problems when spring rolls around. Taking a few extra precautions can save you lots of hassle in the long run. If you do experience a leak or a flood this winter, call our team of experts. Professional water mitigation teams are here 24/7/365 so you can get your home and life back to normal as soon as possible after a crisis.
Tips To Protect Your Home
Keep you home safe from water damage. Here’s what we recommend:
- During the cold winters, consider portable heaters next to your pipes to prevent them from bursting
- Periodically, check all of your faucets for any leaks
- Conduct all needed maintenance for your appliances –change the washing machine supply line and replace water heater tanks, following the manufacturers’ Instructions
- Teach everyone how to use the water shut off switch in case of a serious water leak
- Make sure all doors and windows are properly secured to prevent water from coming in
Ally1 Disaster Solutions For Water Damage
Even if you take every precaution, occasionally your home will experience winter water damage. In St. George, Ally1 Disaster Solutions is the team to call for experienced flood damage cleanup. Our team will use state-of-the-art equipment while the claim specialists work directly with your insurance company. Locally owned, with 20 years of experience in the industry, they are Southern Utah’s most experienced and trusted restoration professionals available 24/7.
