In addition to chilly temperatures and snowy scenery, winter weather brings increased risk of water damage to your policyholders’ homes. Winter is notorious for being cold and wet, and large amounts of snow and ice can have severe consequences. Learn three of the top causes of winter water damage and how to reduce your policyholder’s risk from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore.
The Best Ways To Prevent The Top Three Causes Of Winter Water Damage In The Home:
- Burst Or Frozen Pipes. Frozen pipes build up significant pressure, which can lead to cracks and flooding once the ice melts. Make sure their outer walls and any exposed pipes are properly insulated. Caulk cracks and holes in the exterior walls to prevent cold air from reaching the pipes. Shield exposed pipes from freezing temperatures by wrapping them with the insulating tape or old towels. When temperatures are very low, leave the faucets lightly dripping and keep the cabinets under the sink open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Doing so will keep water flowing and can help prevent the pipes from freezing. For maximum protection against hidden or sudden leaks, install a detection system that can monitor water pressure and automatically signal a water shut-off in the event of a leak or blocked pipe. This technology can reduce the amount of water damage caused by burst or frozen pipes in winter.
- Ice Dams And Roof Leaks. Icicles may be a staple of winter, but they can wreak havoc on the home. If the gutters are clogged, snow that melts off the roof won't pass through the drainage system properly. As the water trapped in your gutters refreezes, a wall of icicles will build up, eventually causing ice dams. The melt from these ice dams can damage the roof and seep into the attic, causing structural damage or mold. Any ice melt that drips over the sides of the gutters has the potential to pool next to the home's foundation and cause additional water damage, as well. Finally, sharp icicles may break off as they melt, posing a serious safety hazard. Clean the gutters before the cold weather hits to keep the dangers of ice dams and roof leaks at bay.
- Water Sources. When the temperatures drop, shut off the water to all outdoor hoses and spigots. Drain any water from hoses, and then store them so they don't freeze, crack, or break in the cold. Neglecting outdoor water sources could cause problems when spring rolls around. Taking a few extra precautions can save your policyholders a lot of hassle in the long run. If they do experience water damage this winter, call the experts at ServiceMaster Restore. Our professional water mitigation teams are here 24/7/365 to get your policyholders’ homes and lives back to normal as soon as possible after a crisis.
You’re known for going above and beyond for your policyholders – so are we. Damage to your policyholder's home or business can be quite a stressful experience. ServiceMaster Restore is here to help them get back to normal as quickly as possible. With over 65 years of industry experience, you can count on us to provide your policyholder with the peace of mind they need.