Top Three Causes of Water Damage in the Winter

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

As we step into colder temperatures, with snow, rain, and everything in-between, this is also the season of water damage.

Often people think that only large amounts of snow and ice can be detrimental to their home or that temperatures have to be extremely low to cause damage, but this could not be further from the truth.

Even in sunny Southern California, where the winters are generally mild, water damage can still happen; and we see it every year.

From roof leaks to frozen pipes and outdoor water sources, there are a handful of potential water disasters waiting to happen in the winter; and you should know what they are.

Here are the top three!

Roof leaks

The most popular form of water damage that our SERVPRO professionals restore every single winter comes from roof leaks.

One of the common issues we see that leads homeowners to experience roof leaks is gutter system blockage from frozen water. It’s imperative that you clean out the water gutters on your roof before it starts snowing or raining heavily.

What happens is that many times these water gutters experience ice buildup or blockage, thus leaving melted ice to infiltrate underneath the roof shingles or tiles, which places stress on the roof and causes leakage.

It’s vital to respond to roof leaks as soon as it begins, as it can lead to mold and even structural damage, which will be even more challenging to repair and take longer to restore.

Frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are another item in and around houses that cause significant water damage during the winter season.

Frozen pipes can build up pressure quite quickly actually, which may lead to cracks and flooding once the ice melts.

You can get ahead of this issue by caulking cracks and holes that you find in the exterior walls to prevent cold air from getting to the pipes. Be sure to shield pipes with towels or insulating tape to prevent them from becoming frozen.

As a rule of thumb, anytime temperatures reach 20 degrees or below, pay close attention to your pipes and continue regularly running water throughout your home to keep them from becoming frozen.

Outdoor Water Sources

As temperatures continue to drop, it’s imperative to turn off all outdoor water sources, including hoses. After turning off outdoor hoses, be sure to drain all remaining water that may be lingering inside to avoid freezing, cracks, or breaks while in the cold; and then store hoses in a dry garage or shed.

Also, turn off all outdoor water valves in the winter and allow hose bibs to drain to avoid breaking any pipes in subfreezing temperatures.

Remember to enjoy the cooler temperatures that the winter season brings us, but be sure to remain proactive in protecting your home from water damage as much as you can. Should you run into a roof leak, a busted or frozen pipe, your friends at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills are here to restore your property 24/7.

Call us at (909) 548-3191 or visit SERVPROchinochinohills.com to learn more!