The Unforeseen Hazards Caused by Blizzards
Winter is a beautiful season with icy landscapes and copious amounts of snow. A blizzard can be a beautiful sight to behold, but it can also be a dangerous weather event that can cause significant property damage.
Many people know the more common ways a blizzard can cause property damage, such as fallen trees and power outages. However, there are also unexpected ways that a blizzard can wreak havoc on your property.
Heavy snow comes with many hazards caused by extreme weather conditions. Besides being a nuisance, blizzards can wreak havoc and lead to extensive repairs. That is why {Sub:BusinessName} is here today to highlight a few unexpected ways a blizzard can cause property damage.
Insulated Pipe Damage
One of the most critical components of a house is the plumbing system, and its insulation protects it from damage during the cold seasons. However, the insulation can fail under intense weather conditions, causing the pipes to freeze and burst.
With blizzards, there's an even higher chance of this happening since the cold might be more intense, leading to damage that could cost significantly in repairs. That's why regular maintenance of your home's plumbing ensures your pipes are well-protected and perform optimally, regardless of the weather.
Destroyed Shingles and Flashing
Roofs are also highly susceptible to damage from blizzards. Strong winds and heavy snowfall can damage the shingles and tear off flashing. Missing shingles leave your roof vulnerable to water damage once the snow melts, while missing flashing causes water to leak through your ceiling, leading to more damage. This damage can be avoided by ensuring your roof remains in good condition and patching up deteriorating sections when necessary.
Garage Door Damage
Most homeowners keep their cars in the garage to protect them from harsh weather conditions. However, blizzards can cause significant damage to the garage doors. The weight of heavy snow accumulation can damage the door's rollers and bend tracks.
This type of damage can make it challenging for the door to open or close, causing inconvenience and rendering your garage unusable. That's why it's crucial to prepare your garage door before winter by checking for damage and ensuring it's functioning correctly.
Basement Deterioration and Decay
Blizzards can also lead to basement damage; in some cases, the damage may go unnoticed until it causes severe problems. The heavy snowfall can cause water to seep into your basement through cracks in the foundation. This damage can cause mold, mildew, and other unpleasant conditions.
It's advisable to inspect the basement for cracks and leaks regularly. At ServiceMaster by Singer, we also recommend hiring one of our restoration professionals to check for any signs of water damage to fix the problem before it's too late.
Fallen Tree Limbs
When a blizzard hits, high winds can cause tree limbs to snap and fall on nearby homes and cars. This can cause significant damage to the roof, windows, and exterior walls of a home. If you have trees near your property, it’s important to ensure they are well-maintained and trimmed year-round.
Ice Dams
During a blizzard, snow and ice can accumulate on a sloping roof, causing dams to form at the roof's edge. As the dams continue to grow, they can cause water to back up underneath the shingles and eventually leak into the interior of the home. This water can cause significant damage to the interior walls, ceilings, and insulation.
Infrastructural Issues from Heavy Snow Loads
During a blizzard, snow and ice can accumulate around the foundation of a home, putting pressure on the foundation walls. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks to form in the foundation. If left untreated, these cracks can worsen and cause significant structural damage to the home.
Similarly, if a roof, patio, or balcony is not structurally sound or adequately maintained, heavy snowfall during a blizzard can cause it to collapse altogether. A collapsed roof or balcony can cause significant damage to the entire structure of the home, as well as any belongings stored inside.
As a result, it is important to have a professional inspect your foundation and roof regularly to make necessary repairs. ServiceMaster by Singer is your local, one-stop solution.
Blizzards Can Cause Property Damage, Requiring Professional Restoration
Blizzards are a part of winter and can't be completely avoided. However, being prepared can help you mitigate unforeseen property damage. Regular maintenance of your home and its plumbing, checking the roof for compromised materials, and preparing your infrastructure preemptively before the snow season can help avoid headache-inducing damage.
Fortunately, ServiceMaster by Singer can help if a blizzard has already impacted your property. Hiring our professional restoration company is always wise if you're overwhelmed by the restoration process or unsure how to proceed. We have the experience and equipment necessary to restore your home to its pre-blizzard condition.
Our team is also on standby 24/7 and ready to dispatch a team of specialists to assess the situation. We take swift action and deal with property damage as soon as possible to save homeowners from experiencing stress and expenses they otherwise wouldn’t have to endure.
Do you need help rebuilding after a blizzard caused property damage? Call (410) 346-9336 to schedule an in-person consultation today!
