Winter water damage occurs due to snowmelt moisture, freezing pipes, ice dams, roof leaks, frozen sump pumps, and condensation and mold growth. Some key steps to follow to prevent water damage during winter include improving your roof condition, cleaning and repairing gutters, and inspecting your sump pump.
Keep reading to learn more.
Common Risks Of Winter Water Damage
Let’s look at the top winter water damage risks.
Snowmelt Moisture
There are several ways that moisture from snowmelt can cause damage to your home. The constant freezing and thawing cycle we experience here in the Midwest during the winter weakens your foundation. Moisture freezes and expands, forming cracks that allow further moisture to invade your basement.
This process is repeated with added moisture, creating gaps in the foundation that are left open once the frozen moisture thaws and drains away. Over time, these gaps grow and weaken the integrity of your foundation.
Moisture that breaches (or penetrates) your foundation from the constant pressure can cause direct damage inside your basement. Flooring and drywall can become damp or even saturated and result in a breeding ground for mold.
Water damage continues its assault on the exterior of your foundation until it reaches the interior. Once inside, it can ruin furniture, appliances, or anything you’re storing in the basement.
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Freezing Pipes
When a pipe freezes, the resulting expansion leads to moisture leaks, or, in severe cases, a pipe may burst outright. When that happens, you could be in for some serious winter water damage.
Depending on where pipes are located in your home, the aftermath of moisture damage can be severe when they freeze. Fortunately, frozen pipes can be prevented, managed, or stopped in an emergency by turning off the water.
The health of your foundation plays a critical role in preventing freezing pipes as well. When cracks form in exterior walls or around pipes, it can allow more air in. This results in lowering the temperature in your home and basement and increases your risk of frozen pipes.
Try to fix these cracks or contact a professional with years of experience such as EverDry Toledo to prevent them from getting worse over time.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are another common source of water damage in your home during winter. They form when ice builds up in and around your gutters and blocks melting snow from properly draining to the downspouts. When this happens, water continues to build up behind these dams until it finds a different path, which is often through your roof and into your home.
While more likely to damage your roof or ceiling, ice dams can clog your downspouts forcing melting ice and snow to overflow your gutters and flow to the ground near your foundation.
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Roof Leaks
Your roof is one of the most important elements protecting your home from water damage, but it can be affected in numerous ways, ending up being one of the ways water can infiltrate inside.
First of all, the weight of snow and ice exerts pressure on the roof and sometimes this pressure can sink the roof, forming holes where water can easily infiltrate or even, in the worst cases, collapse the roof.
In addition to that, a roof with damaged shingles or dents is susceptible to water infiltration once the snow begins to melt.
Frozen Sump Pumps
A sump pump is by far one of the most important elements when it comes to managing excess water inside your home, in particular, your basement. A frozen sump pump can essentially turn into a disaster if all that excess water cannot be diverted away, overflowing your basement and damaging your stored items and furniture.
Condensation and Mold Growth
Certain surfaces like windows and walls can accumulate moisture in winter due to condensation. This happens when the temperature outside is low, but the interior temperature is high, and this is very common in winter.
This uncontrolled moisture is ideal for mold to grow. Basements are especially prone to mold growth as mold is more prominent in dark and poorly ventilated areas.
This image has been taken from our Photo Gallery.
Identifying Water Damage During Winter
In most cases, it is possible to detect symptoms of winter water damage. Here are some signs to look out for.
Moisture Stains – Besides flowing or standing water itself, the most obvious signs are moisture stains. These stains typically form on the floor, walls, and ceilings. They can also help you pinpoint the source of the moisture if you are unsure of where it is coming from.
Mold or Mildew – Another sure sign of moisture is mold or mildew. This is one sign that you may smell before you see it. Keeping in mind that moldy smells are not normal for basements, you should immediately investigate the source of the smell and address the water source right away.
Wall and Floor Cracks – Foundation cracks tend to form over time. If you notice them, it’s time to contact a professional for an evaluation. This is especially so for cracks on the interior side of your foundation. Cracks that go all the way through your foundation are a sure way to get water damage when things begin to thaw.
Preventing Water Damage
Here are some key steps to follow to prevent water damage during winter.
- Improve Roof Condition: Inspect your roof and make sure that there aren’t any present leaks. Do any repairs necessary to avoid water seepage.
- Protect Pipes From Freezing: Insulate pipes that aren’t covered by your heating system and maintain a warm indoor temperature to avoid frozen pipes.
- Clean And Repair Gutters And Downspouts: Remove debris and repair damaged gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
- Ensure Adequate Attic Insulation And Ventilation: Add insulation and proper ventilation to your attic to prevent ice dams from forming.
- Inspect And Monitor Your Sump Pump: Inspect your sump pump to ensure it’s operational during winter.
- Maintain Appliances: Check water-related appliances for leaks or malfunctions that could lead to water damage.
- Shovel Snow Away From Your House: Clear snow from your foundation and roof to reduce the risk of water intrusion.
- Be Prepared For Emergencies: Develop a contingency plan to address water damage quickly if it occurs.
- Repair Foundation Cracks: Seal foundation cracks to prevent water seepage during snowmelt.
- Ensure Your House Has Proper Grading: Ensure your house has proper grading so water naturally drains away from your home’s foundation.
- Waterproof Your Basement: Invest in professional waterproofing to address existing issues and prevent future basement water damage.
Schedule Your FREE Annual Foundation Inspection
The best way to protect your home from water damage during winter is with professional waterproofing. EverDry Toledo can help with a FREE 20-point basement inspection! We’ll help you find out if your home is at risk for water damage and which solutions will best serve you.
Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (419) 841-6055 and schedule your inspection today!
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