Spring is here, now is the best time to check for property damage caused by winter wear and tear.

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Winter weather can be hard on your residential or commercial property be sure to look for water property damage left from frigid winter temperatures.

Here are some tips for how to inspect your roof, gutters, siding and yard for potential winter property damage disasters.

Even after a very milder winter, it is critical to assess your property’s exterior to make sure the cold weather hasn’t left you with water property damage. It’s also important to react quickly and take the necessary steps to prevent property damage from compounding, spring showers are on the horizon.

SERVPRO of Medford responded to a local Holbrook, NY property that suffered a water damage disaster indoors due to winter weather and water intrusion. A roof leak went undetected for some time, causing significant water intrusion and secondary damages from the top down.  Our professional SERVPRO service technicians were onsite quickly to treat the water and mold damage to the roof, walls and floors. The drying process was started by placing large commercial drying equipment in the area. Once the area is dry, the restoration and rebuilding process could begin.

Winter weather can be hard on your residential and commercial property be sure to look for problems that frigid temperatures, snow and ice may have caused.

Winter weather can cause upwards of three and a half billion dollars of property damage in the U.S.

Winter storms are accompanied by lots of moisture – snow, freezing rain, ice, hail and wind – come together to create common issues like ice dams, frozen pipes and frost heave that may cause damage to your home or business. SERVPRO of Medford is always ready to respond to your property damage restoration needs quickly, and we can begin the restoration process immediately. Our local disaster restoration services include an inspection and assessment of the damaged areas, water removal/water extraction, drying and dehumidification, cleaning and repairs, restoration and building as necessary. There are several common problem areas to inspect during spring for potential damage, including your roof and gutter system, foundation and yard, plumbing system and your property’s exterior. From the top down these areas could see potential damage from the worst that the winter elements can bring. 

A TOP DOWN APPROACH TO SEASONAL SPRING PROPERTY DAMAGE INSPECTION AREAS:

• Roof and Gutter System Damage:
  
  The function of your roof and gutter system is to remove excess water from your property to prevent damage. High winds, hail and winter storms can tear off or destroy shingles and ice can obstruct the flow of water in gutters and downspouts, allowing water to breach the structure. Winter forces can cause obvious holes in your roof from wind or branches, but additionally less noticeable damage from hail or other debris can cause indentations and divots that overtime can lead to ice and moisture damage. Heavy buildup of ice on your roof can cause your gutters and downspouts to separate from your roofline, disrupting the flow of water and cause water intrusion and damage to the inside of your home or business. It’s a good idea each spring to inspect your roof, gutters and downspouts for visible damage, debris and that they are functioning properly.
  
  
• Window, Door and Exterior Damage:
  
  Cold temperatures, snow and hail can take a toll on the structure of your property including the windows, doors and exterior of your home or business. Without proper repair, peeling paint, cracks in sealant and other damage could lead to moisture infiltration and a water damage disaster. After winter passes, damaged paint should be removed, primed, sealed and repainted. Cracks and air leaks should be sealed and repaired to prevent more devastating damage later, and missing siding should be replaced before springtime showers arrive to prevent additional water and structural damages.
  
  
• Foundation and Other Drainage Problems:
  
  Another potential casualty of winter weather is your foundation and yard. Hairline cracks in the concrete of a foundation that develop naturally over time can expand, causing major structural damage over time if not properly taken care of quickly. Water can find its way into cracks, freeze and make them larger during the frigid cold months of winter. Getting your foundation repaired in the spring can help prevent more problems from developing as time goes by. The best way to avoid foundation damage is to keep moisture moving away from your foundation. Each spring check your gutters and downspouts for debris or clogs, make sure they are functioning properly, and that they drain at least 10 feet away from your home. Make sure the ground around your home is graded away from your foundation and consider adding a rain garden to your property to combat a bigger problem.
  
  
• Plumbing Damage:
  
  Another vulnerable system in your home or business that could be damaged from cold winter temperatures is your plumbing. To adequately deliver water to and from your sinks, boiler, and spickets your plumbing system keeps the water forever flowing. However, during cold winter days and nights cracks and stresses can occur and eventually lead to leaks and pipe breaks that can have a damaging effect on your local commercial or residential property. Remember to survey your pipes regularly for cracks and leaks, paying closest attention to the pipes that are closest to the elements or in poorly insulated areas such as the basement or crawlspace, or outside walls and attics. Take this opportunity to add some additional insulation as a precautionary measure for the future winter weather to come.

Take a Proactive Approach:

Taking a proactive approach to property damage starts with making these inspections during your springtime routine. First and Secondary water damage is multi-faceted and can affect almost every area of your home or business which had water or flood intrusion. If you see any signs of suspected water damage or other types of property damage including mold, smoke, biohazard. Your best course of action is to contact your local Suffolk, NY Disaster Restoration Professionals our SERVPRO crews are trained and certified to handle your water restoration, mold remediation, and other cleanup and property restoration needs. We can arrive quickly perform an inspection, and get you started on the road to recovery and restoration, “Like it never even happened.”