Winter water damage is not the same as water damage during other times of the year. It can occur in many different ways due to the freezing temperatures. Put simply, understanding the difference between winter water damage and water damage during other times of the year is an important distinction to know. From our water damage restoration experts at Serenity Restoration in Atlanta, below are five ways you can beat the freeze and avoid water damage restoration this winter.
Check Your Water Supply Lines
Check for leaks from your hot water heater, washing machine, ice machine in your refrigerator, and any other appliances that can leak. Most water supply lines tend to last for about five years; you may want to replace rubber hoses with steel-braided hoses, which tend to last longer. When water lines leak, the damage can be slow moving and hard to detect. If you notice water from a leaking water line, contact a professional water damage restoration company to inspect for water damage.
Repair Your Roof
Even a small amount of snow is surprisingly heavy. As this snow piles up on your roof, it exerts increasing amounts of pressure on it. If your roof has any weak spots, they will be extra vulnerable from the weight of the snow pressing down on it. You should also take care to replace any cracked or missing shingles. Anything that helps you avoid the dreaded prospect of your roof caving in on you during the winter months and causing severe water damage is well worth the effort.
Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are the most common winter water damage disaster. The good news for you is that no matter how cold it gets you can still prevent your pipes from freezing by being proactive. There are a number of different things you can do to keep them from freezing. These include putting insulation on your pipes, keeping your cabinets open to increase the warm airflow around your pipes, and dripping water from your faucets. Doing each of these things should keep your pipes unfrozen and the need for any sort of restoration from water damage should not be necessary.
Install A Water Detection Device
A water detection device is a very simple means of minimizing flood damage during all times of the year. You should install these devices in the areas of your home most vulnerable to flooding such as your bathrooms, basement, and kitchen. If they detect an excessive level of moisture, they will sound an alarm alerting you to a potential flood.
Know The Grade Of Your Yard
The grade of your yard is an overlooked factor related to water damage. Generally, it is better to have a yard that is sloped away from your home so water will run off in the opposite direction from your home. If you know that your yard is sloped toward your home for some reason, you should be extra cautious when the snow begins to melt as it can run off toward your home.
If you are in need of any sort of water damage restoration, don’t hesitate to call Serenity Restoration in Atlanta.
If this is an emergency, please call 678-648-1294 for 24/7 service.
