We all look forward to spring, but not every home is ready for it. As the weather thaws, melting snow can cause a host of problems, including flooding and water damage. Failing to properly insulate and prepare your home can result in a host of problems—including mold growth, foundation erosion, and more.
Preventing Water Intrusion from Melting Snow
Basements are particularly vulnerable to water infiltration and winter water damage from melting snow. To avoid flooding, check your windows and doors for exposure to the elements such as cracks, gaps, and signs of wear and tear. No crack is too small for water to get through. Seal anything that you find and make sure any old seals are still intact. Reseal anything that you think needs extra protection.
Avoid water buildup around your foundation with proper drainage. Leaves, sticks, ice, and other debris can block your gutters and downspouts. Clean out blockages when the snow melts to prevent water from pooling and allow proper water flow. Ice dams can form along the edge of your roof and cause damage.
Ice dams keep the edge of your roof wet by coating it in a ridge of ice that prevents melting snow from draining. Not only that, but ice dams also cause water to leak inside the home. When an ice dam gets ceilings, walls, and insulations wet, it can lead to mold growth.
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Protecting Your Home’s Structure and Systems
Now that you’ve prepared the outside of your home, let’s cover what to do about the structure and systems of your property. The foundation of your home is a vital front line of defense against flooding. Look for cracks and damage to your foundation that water could travel through. Check for shifting or settling as well. If you notice damage to your foundation, a professional may need to be brought in to determine if repairs are needed and help you avoid bigger issues later on, like the need for a water damage restoration company.
Plumbing is especially susceptible to freezing temperatures and snow. Frozen pipes can become cracked after thawing, leading to damaging leakage. Examine your pipes for leaks, damage, and signs of freezing. Prevent freezing by running water in your sinks, insulating visible pipes, and repairing any vulnerable pipes to prevent burst pipes or leaks. This can save you money on water damage restoration.
Address Water Damage and Mold Growth Quickly
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we’re no match for winter water damage. The way you respond to such accidents will impact the potential for mold growth and structural issues in your home. Remove standing water immediately using a wet vac or sump pump. Dry the area with towels and fans.
Unfortunately, drying the area with towels or even a wet vac is not enough to prevent mold growth. Mold begins to grow just 24-48 hours after water intrusion. Black mold is especially toxic, which is why it’s important to investigate professional mold remediation services if you notice signs of mold or if you have extensive winter water damage. Mold cleaning services can review and evaluate your property for mold damage and address it. If you notice any signs of mold, it’s essential to hire mold cleaning services to safeguard your health.
Utilizing a Professional Content Restoration Company
A content restoration company can protect your possessions as well as your home. Content restoration cleans and repairs damaged property, bringing your belongings back to their original state. Content restoration saves everything from furniture to electronics.
Being proactive can not only prepare your home for melting snow, but it can also prevent water damage and save the structure of your home while lowering the risk of things like mold. Sometimes, all your preparation is still not enough to avoid the need for water damage restoration.
Whether you need content restoration, mold cleaning services, or just a general restoration company, Royal Renovations has you covered. Schedule a meeting with us to counteract the effects of winter water damage.
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