How To Avoid the Worst Winter Storm Damage

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Use freeze protection or insulation on exposed pipes

Major Damage That Can Be Caused By Winter Weather

Winter storms can severely damage a residence in Edwards, CO. Homeowners should prepare for the worst effects of below-freezing temperatures or a winter storm. Learn more about several types of major damage that can be caused by winter weather.

Bursting Pipes
When the temperature dips below freezing, pipes can burst and cause extensive water damage. There are several ways that homeowners can reduce the risk of water freezing, expanding and causing a pipe to burst:

• Maintain indoor temperatures that keep all pipes above freezing
  
• Use freeze protection or insulation on exposed pipes
  
• Shut off indoor valves to exterior faucets
  
• Keep outdoor valves open
  
  

These measures can reduce the likelihood that frozen blockages will form in pipes. In addition to adding insulation or sealing air leaks, allowing water to drop from any faucets connected to exposed pipes may prevent freezing and pressure buildup. If a pipe bursts, arrange for timely repair and water damage restoration.

Roof Collapse
Every inch of snow on a roof weighs about 1.25 pounds per inch of depth. A cubic foot of snow can weigh as much as 21 pounds, depending on the moisture content. Excess weight combined with poor drainage can result in roof damage or even a collapse during a blizzard.

Basement Flood
The risk of damage can seem lower after a winter storm passes. In reality, melting snow can flood a basement. As drainage systems fill, saturated soil may permit moisture to seep into the lowest level of a structure. Waterproofing a basement and clearing snow away from the foundation of a structure may be helpful for avoiding this type of damage.
A winter storm poses a variety of risks to homes in Edwards, CO. Homeowners should prepare by checking the condition of plumbing, roof drainage, and basement waterproofing. Preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of all of these forms of severe storm damage.