How a Winter Storm Can Damage Your Home

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

How a Winter Storm Can Damage Your Home

Those who are used to warm weather climates may not realize how much damage a winter storm can do. However, a blizzard can create lots of destruction in Gardner, KS.
In fact, winter storms can cause thousands of dollars of damage. This damage can result from:

• Ice dams
  
• Destroyed roofs
  
• Frozen pipes
  
  

Ice Dams

As its name implies, an ice dam is a buildup of ice on the roof of your home. It occurs when melting snow refreezes and blocks other snow from draining properly. This can lead to a buildup of standing water that can then leak into your walls or ceilings. Ice dams can even loosen shingles or gutters.

Destroyed Roofs

A winter storm can cause roof damage in other ways, as well. Ice and high winds can rip the gutters or tiles off your roof. These same winds can also blow tree branches on top of your roof. Heavy branches, in particular, can fall through the roof and harm the inside of your home.

Frozen Pipes

Even if there is no snow outside, cold weather alone can be harmful to your house. Freezing temperatures can cause unheated pipes to freeze and subsequently burst. This can lead to severe water damage.

How To Prepare

There are steps you can take to limit damage to your home during a winter storm. Cleaning gutters in advance can prevent ice dams. You should also secure your roof tiles and trim any tree branches that are too close to the house.
Before the storm arrives, you should head to the store and get emergency supplies such as shovels and non-perishable food. Finally, make sure to insulate any pipes that are outdoors or in low-heat areas such as basements and garages.
Even if you prepare accordingly, a winter storm can destroy parts of your house. An emergency restoration services company can repair your home and prevent any damage from spreading.