How to Prevent Water Damage in Winter

The cold temperatures of winter can cause serious damage to your home. Water can freeze in your pipes, causing them to burst. Moreover, your roof is susceptible to water damage due to the formation of ice dams or damage from snow accumulation. Read on to learn how to avoid these dangers throughout the winter:

Pipe Bursts

• Pipe bursts can occur when water freezes inside the pipes.
• Insulate (both hot and cold) water pipes with heat tape or other insulator.
• Insulate the areas where the water supply lines are located, such as basement, crawlspace or garage.
• Open kitchen cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipe system.
• When leaving the home, set the temperature no lower than 50° F and shut off the Master Valve to the home.
• Here you can find more detailed information about preventing frozen pipes.

Ice Dams

• Ice dams form at the edges of the roof when the heat in the attic causes snow on the roof to melt, which in turn refreezes at the gutters.
• Inspect and clean the gutters and downspouts to allow melted snow to properly flow through the drain system.
• Keep the temperature in the attic 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the outside temperature by providing insulation and ventilation in your attic.
• Learn more about roof snow load risks and ice dams in this article.

Snow on Roofs

• Heavy snow on roofs can cause ice dams and structural damage to the roof.
• Remove the snow from the roof when it’s at least 6 inches deep.
• If possible, stay on the ground to shovel the snow off the roof. Otherwise, hire a professional.
• More tips for removing snow from roofs can be found here.

Condensation – if you notice condensation on windows, pipes, or walls in your home, dry out the area immediately. Prevent condensation by lowering the humidity in your home or by fixing leaks, if there are any.

While waiting for spring to arrive, consider these home improvement ideas you can do this winter. For professional fire, water and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.