Disaster Recovery News

Extreme winter weather can make conditions more than just cold and slippery. When snow and ice accumulate, it can become heavy and cause building damage or water damage.

Snow and ice can collapse roofs, especially on older buildings. Older buildings have a greater risk of corrosion, which can weaken its structural integrity. Newer buildings that have roofs made of light-weight metal, roofs that are flat, or roofs that do not have a lot of supports are more likely to give-in under the pressure of excess snow and ice.  Snow drifts on a flat roof that have projections, a lower roof, or other equipment can accumulate snow that has drifted with the wind. This can cause vulnerability unless additional strengthening supports are added. One should contact a professional about safely removing excess snow and ice from a roof.

Image by zieak

To help keep ice of roofs that are sloped, make sure attics are well ventilated so the snow on the roof does not melt and turn to ice. Melted snow and ice can enter a roof via the eaves and flat roofs can experience water damage if ice dams form and prevent water from flowing into drains on a roof.

Snow that builds up on walls and windows can cause water damage if it melts and leaks in through improperly sealed windows or into the basement. Basement drains, window wells, outside walls, and gutters need to be clear of any object that could cause them to clog.

10-12 inches of fresh snow or 3-5 inches of old or packed snow equal 1 inch of water and 5 lbs. of pressure for every square foot on a roof. Preventative building maintenance is crucial during the winter months to help avoid costly repairs. Learn more about winter weather preparedness and building maintenance.

Photo by Muffet

Winter blanketed the United States last week with one big cold hug. Or was it a slap?

Freezing temperatures were seen coast to coast. Snow was dumped in the Midwest, Central, and East coasts. Below freezing temperatures hit the Northwest and left children wondering where all the snow was.

Sure, the snow and ice make for a romantic scene the first day or so. But what about all that which comes with freezing temperatures: frozen and burst pipes, snow melt, flooding and water damage, and mold? Keep reading to find out how one can be ready for the curveballs Mother Nature throws.

Tips for Preventing Expensive Winter Disasters

• Don’t let pipes freeze.
  • Keep pipes insulated and the areas they are in warm.
  • Leave cabinets where pipes are located open to help prevent the water from within the pipes from freezing. When water freezes, it expands, which causes the pipes to break and burst with water.
• Prevent ice dams from forming.
  • Ice dams are those buggers that form at the edge of sloped roofs or gutters after the snow melts off the roof and refreezes in these locations.
  • Insulate the floors of the attic well and keep the area well ventilated. The cooler an attic is the less snow and ice on the roof will melt.
• Keep the snow out
  • Shovel snow away from the home. It is pretty funny when it snows so much it covers the door of the back porch. When the snow melts into the house and floods the laundry room, people stop laughing.
• Prevent mold by keeping everything dry. Moisture attracts mold, which can cause damage to property and health problems in humans and pets.
  • If a building floods or sustains any water damage, dry it ASAP. If the water damage is extensive, call in a restoration specialist to assist.
  • Dehumidify rooms that are damper, like basements and bathrooms. Make sure there is good air circulation in there as well.

Taking simple preventative measure can make winters more bearable.

Learn more about home maintenance during the winter months.

Photo by jramspott

With fall weather that already seems too cold and the freezing winter months approaching the U.S. quickly, it is important that business and homeowners prepare their homes for water damage, or the prevention thereof.

The Insurance Information Institute reports the average claim due to water damage is about $5531. While some homeowner insurance policies may provide some coverage for certain types of water damage, not all do. One should review their home and business insurance policies with their agent to see exactly what is covered and what is not. Are there any riders, or policy add-ons, that can be added for extra protection? What type of water damage is covered?

In addition to being covered for the unexpected, one should prepare for it as well. Water damage prevention tips include painting water sealant on basement floors, moisture-sealing windows, and installing drains or valves that do not allow water reentry.  Preventing and remediating water damage will help one avoid having to deal with mold damage, which can be costly to eliminate.

NJ.com provides the following tips from The Institute for Business & Home Safety:

• “Inspect hoses and faucets. Check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerator ice makers annually. Replace those with cracks or leaks, and replace them all every five to seven years.
• Shut off the water supply to the washing machine while away on vacation. Never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running. Know where the main water shut off valve is in your home.
• Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system to protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes.
• Remove debris from downspouts. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes.
• Install gutter guards to protect the clogging of the roof gutter so water flows easily off the roof.”

Other tips to prevent water damage when the weather gets cold include:

• Prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Weatherize a building for the winter months.
• Prevent fires in the home and be particularly careful with holiday decor. Remember: fires are put out with water, which can cause water damage. Fires also have smoke, which can also cause damage to one’s property.
• Layer windows and insulate.

More on water and mold damage prevention.