How to avoid winter storm damage hazards to your home!

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information even individual weather events are capable of causing billions of dollars in damage to not only commercial buildings but your home as well. You need to know the different ways that cold weather can impact your home. The major issues to watch out for are damage to your roof, gutters, as well as damage created by snow melt.

 Roof Damage – Wind

 When wind blows shingles loose or takes off gutters, the resulting damaged areas can let in moisture from snow melt, rain, ice melt. In order to verify that your roof is in good repair we recommend you contacting a roofing specialist yearly for inspection. If you miss the damage, the resulting water intrusion can create thousands of dollars of damage. Keep tarps handy for a quick temporary fix.

Roof Collapse – Heavy Snow

 As little as two feet of packed snow can be enough to cause a roof collapse, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. In places that it is to cold to melt between storms this can create a disaster. After a storm always make arrangements for the snow on the roof to be removed as soon as possible.

Gutter Collapse – Ice

 If ice has been allowed to build up in your gutters the weight can yank them off of the home. Even with the absence of snow enough sleet, rain and cold temperatures can cause dangerous amounts of ice to build up in your gutter system.  Make sure to keep gutters clean of debris so that rain can run out easily. If icicles form on your gutters, SAFELY knock them off of your gutters and make sure they are out of any walk-ways.

Water Damage – Snow melt

 As heavy snows melt your home is at risk for water damage or intrusion issues. Water damage creates a host of other issues such as microbial growth. One foot of snow melts to approximately ONE inch of water. Any roof issues you may have will now become apparent as the snow melts and water comes in your attic, upper floors, walls and insulation. Remove snow on your roof as quickly as it is safe once snow has stopped coming down. If you experience leaks or water damage put tarps and buckets under any drip sites.   

Just a few preventative measures can help you avoid any serious winter storm damage to your home.  If your home is experiencing water damage from a winter storm call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest at 775-852-6480!!!!! We are always here to make it “Like it never even happened. “