The winter season in New York is very cold. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to dip below freezing. As the cold weather draws near, it’s smart to be on the lookout for signs of water damage. If your home is damaged from a water leak or burst pipe, an experienced water damage restoration company can help.
Here are the most common types of water damage caused by cold weather:
1. Burst Pipes
When temperatures reach a maximum of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, expect your pipes to freeze. Freezing temperatures, such as the ones that the great state of New York experiences, causes interior pipes to freeze if they are not properly insulated. When these pipes freeze, it can cause the water inside the pipes to expand by a whopping nine percent. This becomes too much for the pipes to handle, which in turn, causes them to burst.
Frozen/burst pipes are incredibly common during the winter season. However, there are a few steps you can take to avoid them. First, make sure your pipes are adequately insulated. Second, leave your cabinet doors open and drip the faucet. This will help keep the water flowing and allow warm air to reach the pipes. This will thaw them out.
2. Melting Snow
Melting snow is another common cause of water damage during the winter season. When the snow melts, it turns to water and can seep into your home’s foundation. If left untreated, the melted snow can cause your foundation to crack. When it accumulates on your roof, melting snow can also damage your roof and seep through the ceiling. It can also result in mold, which if left alone, can trigger allergies, worsen respiratory conditions, and eat away at your carpet, wooden structures, and ceilings.
If you experience a snowstorm this winter season, be sure to remove snow away from your home before it starts to melt. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
3. Miscellaneous Water Sources
Sometimes, water damage during the winter isn’t caused by burst pipes or melting snow, but rather miscellaneous sources of water. These include everything from water hoses to water valves. For example, water valves and hoses that are subjected to freezing weather can burst due to the water’s rapid expansion. Depending on where these are located near the house, they could seep into your foundation and cause it to crack.
Water Damage? Call the Pros at Green Genie Environmental for Help!
Whether it’s the result of melting snow or freezing temperatures, water damage is a headache to deal with during the winter season. If your home experiences water damage, the professional water damage restoration experts at Green Genie Environmental can help.
We only use eco-friendly, sustainable methods of disinfecting areas affected by mold and water damage. We understand how busy the winter season can be, which is why we will work quickly and efficiently to resolve the problem. Call us at (716) 466-6653 to schedule an appointment.