Winter weather in Northeast, Ohio can bring damage of great magnitude. Below freezing temperatures put pipes and other water lines at great risk. Along with the weight of the snow and ice on your roof can cause significant damage to your home. If not caught in time, a damaged pipe can cause tremendous damage on your home. If a pipe freezes and bursts in your home while you’re not home, the water can travel down into the basement and can cause significant damage throughout the entire structure.
During the cold winter months, the icicles on a buildings eaves may signify that a ridge of ice is forming at the edge of the roof. This ridge is known as an ice dam and can prevent melting snow from draining properly. Ice dams are caused by uneven heat loss from a home or building in wintry conditions by re-freezing melted snow. This causes the roof to warm above freezing temperature, which allows snow to melt and then re-freeze before it reaches the roof’s edge. If this cycle repeats consistently, an ice dam will form, and water will collect behind it. As the water pools, it accumulates and can lead to expensive water damage, seeping under shingles and into the house.
It Pays to Take Simple Steps to Prepare for Winter Storms
Weatherproof your home to protect against the cold:
- Insulate walls and attic.
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
- Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Have your chimney or flue inspected every year.
- Insulate pipes.
- Trim Trees
- Detach outside hoses
Winter storms cause billions of dollars in insurance claims from falling trees on homes and cars, roof or deck collapsing from heavy snow on a weak structure, ice dams and water damage from pipe-breaks. All this water can cause extensive damage to drywall, flooring, and electric wiring as well as to the gutters and exterior of your home. If you find yourself with winter weather damage to your home, call the professionals at Orion Construction at 330-244-9708.