When you live in a frigid, snowy area like the Twin Cities, winter can wreak havoc on your home if it’s not properly prepared. From roof leaks and gutter damage to window deterioration and foundation damage, there are several household issues you need to worry about throughout the winter months.
The experts at Kiser Construction share some of the most common forms of home damage to watch for below.
Ice Dams Can Damage Your Gutters
If your gutters are filled with leaves and other debris, melting snow can’t drain off your roof efficiently. When water backs up inside your gutters and then refreezes, it creates the beginnings of an ice dam, which will continue to grow as more snow melts and cannot exit your roof efficiently.
When an ice dam gets heavy enough, it can crack your gutters or cause them to gradually pull away from the eave of your roof. And those gutters must be intact come spring to prevent roof runoff from accumulating around the foundation of your home.
If you’re currently dealing with an ice dam, get it removed promptly. Many roofing contractors and gutter contractors offer ice dam removal services (our team at Kiser Construction is a great choice!) and can also assess your gutters for signs of damage as they work.
Ice Dams Can Cause Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are another common issue caused by ice dams. When a shelf of ice sits on the edge of your roof, it prevents additional snowmelt from exiting the roof efficiently. When that water has no place to go, it accumulates behind the ice dam and pools on your roof.
If that pool of water sits long enough, moisture can seep beneath your shingles and damage your roof sheathing and the structures beneath it. That’s why prompt ice dam removal is so important.
If you’ve let an ice dam sit and you’re worried you may have a roof leak, schedule an appointment with an ice dam removal company right away. When the roof is clear, call a roofing contractor to schedule an inspection of your roof. The earlier you catch a minor leak, the better.
Temperature Fluctuations Can Damage Caulking
When it’s freezing at night but warmer during the day, those temperature fluctuations can cause the caulk around your windows to pull away from the frames. If you’re worried you might be dealing with deteriorated caulking, check your windows and reapply caulk anywhere you find damage.
Keep in mind, though, that additional caulk is only a temporary solution. You’ll also need to contact a window contractor for an inspection to determine if any further window damage exists.
Freezing Temperatures Can Cause Plumbing Leaks
It’s not uncommon to find frozen pipes in buildings throughout the Twin Cities, and residential dwellings are no exception. If your plumbing isn’t insulated properly, the water inside your pipes can begin to freeze, and since water expands as it freezes, it creates pressure inside the pipe. Eventually, the pipe can burst, which will result in a severe water leak and interior flooding.
To prevent burst pipes, make sure any exposed pieces of plumbing are properly insulated. You can also attach heat cable to those pipes to help keep them warm.
Melting Snow Can Cause Ground Water Seepage
Basement and crawlspace flooding can happen at any time of year, but when piles of snow are melting around your house, much of that water will seep into the ground. As the ground becomes saturated, water can seep through small cracks and holes in your foundation and make its way into the lowest level of your home.
If you have a crawlspace you rarely enter, you may not notice water intrusion for some time, and water can do extensive damage when it’s allowed to sit unchecked. To avoid springtime water extraction and structural drying of your home’s lower level, make sure your sump pump is fully operational before temperatures begin to rise.
Kiser Construction: Your Twin Cities Source for Home Damage Restoration
If winter’s done a number on your house this year, let our team at Kiser Construction help. We specialize in ice dam removal, roof repair, water damage restoration, and several other home restoration services designed to bring your home back to its pre-damage condition. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us at 763-633-2010 or contact us online.
For 24/7 emergency service, please call our emergency line at 612-518-8852.