ServiceMaster by Lovejoy: Top 3 Causes of Winter Water Damage at Home

In addition to chilly temperatures and snowy scenery in Georgia, winter weather brings an increased risk of water damage to your home. 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 risk from the experts at ServiceMaster by LoveJoy. This winter, spend less time worrying about water damage and more time enjoying the season with your family and friends.

Causes of Winter Water Damage

1. Burst or Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes build up significant pressure, which can lead to cracks and flooding once the ice melts. Make sure your outer walls and any exposed pipes are properly insulated. Caulk cracks and holes you see in your exterior walls to prevent cold air from reaching the pipes. Shield exposed pipes from freezing temperatures by wrapping them with insulating tape or old towels. When temperatures are very low or you plan to be away from home for several days, leave the faucets lightly dripping and keep the cabinets under your sink open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Doing so will keep water flowing and can help prevent your pipes from freezing.

Solution:

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.

2. Ice Dams and Roof Leaks

Icicles may be a staple of winter, but they can wreak havoc on your home. If your gutters are clogged, snow that melts off your 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 your roof and seep into your attic, causing structural damage or mold.

Any ice melt that drips over the sides of your gutters has the potential to pool next to your home's foundation and cause additional water damage as well. Finally, sharp icicles may break off as they melt, posing a serious safety hazard.

Solution:

Clean your gutters before the cold weather hits to keep the dangers of ice dams and roof leaks at bay.

3. Water Sources

Neglecting your outdoor water sources could cause problems when spring rolls around.

Solution:

When the temperatures drop, you should shut off the water to your outdoor hoses and spigots. Drain any water from your hoses, and then store them so they don't freeze, crack or break in the cold.

Enjoy the beauty of the winter season without worrying about the weather damaging your home. Taking a few extra precautions can save you lots of hassle in the long run. If you do experience water damage this winter, call the experts at ServiceMaster by LoveJoy. We provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. Our highly trained technicians can respond immediately to your residential or commercial water damage emergency.

Contact Georgia Water Damage Restoration Company

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service by responding quickly, listening to your needs, and taking action to mitigate the damage to your home or commercial property. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is an insurance-preferred vendor for water damage restoration for most major property insurance carriers. We will work closely with you and/or your insurance carrier. We are a full-service water damage restoration company; we repair drywall, cabinets, flooring, bathroom, kitchen, tiles installation, and plumbing. ServiceMaster by Lovejoy has the training, certifications, and insurance knowledge to assist you with cleaning up and repairing your home or business after a disaster.

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