Cold Weather Problems That Can Cause Water Damage

When the winter season sets in, you're likely to experience extensive water damage in your home. For instance, uninsulated water pipes can burst when they freeze and flood your home. Your roof can also develop leaks and make your attic saggy. Fortunately, water damage experts can help if you experience any water damage in your home.    

Check out two common cold weather issues that often result in water damage. 

Leaking Water Heater

When the outdoor temperatures drop below freezing point, your indoor water temperature also drops. Consequently, your water heater has to work extra hard to heat water to comfortable levels.

Also, cold weather can cause the metal around your unit to expand and contract. Eventually, your water heater can develop cracks that will lead to water leaks, which can gradually compromise your home's structural integrity.

You're also likely to experience water heater inefficiency due to debris build-up at the bottom of the tank where the burners are. As a result, your heater only produces lukewarm water or cause reduced water pressure.  

This problem is more common for old water heater models or a unit placed in an unconditioned area of your home. If your water heater leaks, shut off the water from the main meter and call a water damage expert for further solutions.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters reroute rainwater from your home. However, debris can clog your gutters and cause water to overflow from the sides and gather around your home's foundation. If left alone, the water can cause wall cracks. So, keep your gutters debris-free all the time so that water can drain unimpeded.  

Additionally, the snow on your roof can melt due to your home's internal heat, then flow into the gutters, where it refreezes and forms an ice dam. If you fail to take action, ice dams can tear off your gutters or create a weight problem. The extra weight eventually causes your gutters to collapse.

Ice dams can also loosen your shingles. As the water volume grows, the backed-up water can sip through your shingles and drain into your home. As a result, your roof begins to leak. A leaky roof can stain your ceiling, warp the floors, or also damage your wall plaster. 

To clear ice dams from your roof, your water damage expert can use de-icing methods or a roof rake to pull off the snow. Also, consider attic air sealing and insulation to prevent ice dam formation in the future.

Water damage during frigid weather can be a real headache. Luckily, you can enlist a water damage restoration company such as GraEagle  Construction LLC to quickly resolve any water damage issues in your home.