Quick Facts About Snow and Water Damage

Sources of water damage don't always come in liquid form—not at first, at least. Snow is a good example. In winter, a powdery, fluffy snowfall is good material for snowballs or a snowman. However, as we all know, it doesn't stay that way indefinitely. Eventually, the melting process turns all that snow on and around your home into water.

One inch of snow on a typical residential roof melts into about 100 gallons of water. That's not much compared to heavy rainfall. Nevertheless, several aspects specifically relating to snow make it a real factor in winter-related home damage.

Melting Snow and Seepage

Rainwater runs quickly off the roof and into gutters. Snow often melts gradually, however, applying a more ongoing source of water to shingles and roof structure. Over a longer time frame, slow seepage from snowmelt on the roof may infiltrate through small leaks and into the attic where it can saturate insulation, cause mold growth, and other damage.

Ice Dams

Melting snow on the roof doesn't necessarily stay that way. As runoff reaches the lower, often colder portions of the roof, the snowmelt may re-freeze, forming ice dams. These obstacles obstruct the flow of runoff into gutters, causing water to pool on the roof. Shingles and roofing materials are designed to shed moving water—not to resist water pooling. Water penetrates roofing materials, causing water damage in the attic and perhaps dripping all the way down through the ceiling into living spaces.

Ground Saturation

Snow on the ground can also be an issue. Slow-melting snow seeping deep into the ground can oversaturate the soil immediately adjacent to the home's foundation. This process can undermine a slab foundation or penetrate basement walls and cause home water damage, mold growth, etc., inside the basement.

Roof Damage

Another characteristic of snow is its surprising and potentially damaging weight. One foot of snow deposited on the roof of an average size home will typically weigh over 18,000 pounds. Extreme weight can damage shingles and the roof structure, leading to water intrusion inside the house.

While snow may seem harmless, its transformation into water can pose significant risks to your home, from roof damage to basement flooding. Understanding the impact of snowmelt and taking preventive measures is key to protecting your property.

However, if you do encounter water damage, ice dams, or any related issues this winter, Rytech Restoration is here to help. Our team of experts specializes in dealing with all types of water, fire, and mold damage, ensuring your home is restored to its pre-damage condition. Don't let snow and water damage overwhelm you; contact Rytech Restoration for reliable, efficient, and professional water damage restoration services.

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