Winter storm protection and water damage prevention go hand in hand. During the cold months to come, weather conditions will present season-specific threats that tend to increase the risk of household damage due to water intrusion. Any time of year, the best strategy for water damage recovery is to take adequate precautions to prevent it in the first place.
Here are some strategies for winter storm protection to reduce the odds of damage to your house:
Maintain the Gutters
Whether its a day of cold winter rain or rapid snowmelt after a storm, water shed by the roof must flow freely through gutters and downspouts. Clogs caused by obstructions, particularly fallen leaves in winter, may cause gutters to overflow, cascading water down exterior siding and leaking into wall spaces.
Insulate Pipes
Frozen pipes result from acute temperature dips that may occur during winter storms. Once outdoor temperatures drop below 28 degrees, freezing and subsequent pipe ruptures can occur. Indoor water damage from broken supply lines is often catastrophic.
Wherever water supply lines are exposed to frigid temperatures in the crawl space, up in the attic or in the basement, insulate the pipes with foam pipe insulation. Also close any structural gaps or openings that allow free flow of cold outdoor air to contact pipes.
Threat-Proof the Yard
Assess your landscaping for hazards from weak or overgrown tree limbs that could break due to windy conditions or ice accumulation and cause roof damage and leaks.
Stave Off Ice Dams
Verify the attic is adequately sealed and insulated to prevent heat intrusion from living spaces. Also, make sure the attic is well ventilated to discourage heat accumulation and resultant uneven roof temperatures that spawn ice dams and water leakage.
For more hints to improve winter storm protection, contact the water damage professionals at Rytech.
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