How to Prevent Winter Water Damage in Your Home and Business
The sparkle of a winter wonderland—glistening ice and fresh snow—can almost make you forget about the harsh realities of cold weather. But as beautiful as it is, Michigan winters bring challenges that homeowners and business owners can’t afford to ignore. Just like the ice that cracks our roads, the freezing and thawing cycle can wreak havoc on your property. To save yourself the cost and stress of major repairs this season, here are a few key areas to watch.
Stopping Winter Roof Damage Before It Happens
Winter weather can be tough on your roof, but a little preparation goes a long way. High winds from winter storms are notorious for loosening shingles, and missing shingles create a gateway for water from melting snow and ice to seep into your home. Water damage can rot the wood in your roof and attic, setting you up for costly repairs. To avoid this, schedule a professional roof inspection to check for and replace any loose or missing shingles before the snow starts flying.
But wind isn’t the only threat. When snow piles up on your roof, clogged gutters can cause big problems. Melting snow has nowhere to go if your gutters are blocked, leading to pooled water that refreezes and damages your roof—just like how ice wrecks roads. Clearing your gutters may not be a favorite chore, but it’s far better than the expense of preventable restoration down the line.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient—they’re expensive. Pipes exposed to cold temperatures can freeze, causing water inside to expand and burst the pipe. That can lead to water damage and, if left unchecked, mold growth. To avoid this, wrap exposed pipes in insulation and check them regularly during cold snaps.
Even insulated pipes aren’t immune to extreme cold, so don’t rely on insulation alone. Keep a small drip running from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing. And remember, turning off the water supply doesn’t always eliminate the threat of frozen pipes—standing water left inside can still freeze and cause problems.Protecting Outside Water Fixtures
Even though damage to outdoor water fixtures like spigots and hoses may not be as expensive as the other areas to protect, it’s still a nuisance and nobody likes throwing money away. Water to outdoor spigots should be shut off so that they don’t get cracked by ice. The same goes for your hoses, be sure to get the standing water out of them and put the hoses somewhere that’s dry and above freezing temperature.
Protecting Outdoor Water Fixtures
Don’t forget your outdoor water fixtures! Damage to spigots and hoses might not break the bank, but it’s still a hassle you don’t need. Shut off water to outdoor spigots to prevent cracks from forming in the ice. Drain hoses completely and store them somewhere dry and above freezing to avoid splitting.
Adams Complete Cleaning & Restoration | Winter Damage Restoration
No matter how prepared you are, Michigan’s unpredictable winters can throw a curveball. If ice or storm damage strikes your home or business, Adams Complete Cleaning & Restoration is here to help. Our friendly, experienced team works quickly to fully restore damaged areas while keeping costs as low as possible. Plus, with our 24-hour emergency service, you’ll never have to wait long for assistance.
To learn more about our restoration services or request a quote, call us at (586) 500-0781 or fill out our contact form. We’re here to help you weather the winter safely and stress-free!