Winter is a beautiful time of the year. However, it is the season when we run the most significant risk of the structure of our houses suffering some water damage or the inclement weather that this type of season brings.
But how can water get into a crawl or attic in winter?
It happens due to the temperature contrast between the cold outside and the warm environment inside. This contrast increases after heavy rain or snowfall. As a result, the water has nowhere to go and accumulates in spaces such as cracks, the joints of poorly installed insulation, or nearby wood.
If we do not pay attention to these small amounts of liquid, we will have to perform water damage repair, and our bank account will be affected in the future.
Classification according to the source of water
When we talk about water damage, it is crucial to identify the source from which it comes, both to carry out the repair and to know how to act in the event of a natural disaster.
The official website of the Massachusetts government tells us the classification of the water that can enter a building and cause damage according to its origin and composition.
Category 1
The water in this category comes mainly from ventilation systems, rain, pipe leaks, or snow. These waters enter your home through cracks, poorly sealed windows, or leaks that have not been attended to and repaired.
Although it may not seem so important, you need to fix this type of problem as soon as possible to avoid the appearance of bacteria and contaminants that can aggravate the situation and move to the next category.
Category 2
Commonly called gray water, it is the one that comes from incidents such as bathroom overflows, dirty water pumps, or failures in some electrical appliances. This type of water contains specific contaminants that can cause stomach damage if ingested or skin problems on contact.
The damage caused by this type of water can include the loss of some household items; professionals duly equipped and trained to carry out water damage repair should take action to clean the area.
Category 3
These are the most dangerous waters since they come from sources high in pollutants that can cause chronic diseases that can cause death; they are also called black water. They come from flooding, sewage overflow, antifreeze ventilation systems, and unknown sources. In these cases, hiring professionals who offer water damage services is advisable.
It is rarely possible to recover the items that have been in contact with this water due to their high levels of contaminants, so those in charge of responding to the emergency must be very careful when carrying out the recovery work.
Prevention of water damage before the winter season
Problems with water can occur at any time of the year; however, in winter, although it seems that water would not be a problem, it is quite the opposite. For this reason, at Zeromold, we want to tell you about some things you can do so that the winter season does not become a nightmare for you and your family.
Check the hoses
Many household appliances have hoses that feed them with the water they need for their operation; check them a couple of times a year to rule out that they have any damage, breakage, or residue that can cause water damage in the wintertime.
Stay on top of your insurance policy.
When insuring your home in case of problems of this type, you should pay close attention to what your policy covers; many insurers do not include full payment in case of water damage in their primary policies. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the coverage; if you feel it is not enough, expand it as soon as possible.
Protect and maintain your pipes
The pipes are the most affected during the cold season, low temperatures can cause them to burst, and the damage amounts to more than 5000 dollars, according to The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). So, protect your outdoor pipes to prevent them from freezing in case the temperatures drop too much.
There are different options to protect them, such as encapsulating the pipes, wrapping them in heat tape or cable, or ultimately moving them inside the house, which implies more expense high but a better investment in the long run.
Don't use the outside pipes and pool in winter.
In winter, there is a high risk that the outdoor pipes will freeze and burst if the temperature drops, and we usually use them. It is best to drain the pipes with an air compressor before the first frosts and keep automatic irrigation systems turned off.
In winter, it is also advisable not to use the pool but not only stop using it; you must remove the filters and put the cover adequately to prevent an accident involving your loved ones.
Know the location of the water valve
Although it may seem silly, knowing the location of this valve will allow you to quickly shut off the water supply in the event of an incident such as a burst pipe, significant damage to the ventilation systems, or crawl space flooding, among others.
Do a detailed inspection once or twice a year.
An effective preventive measure to avoid harmful consequences in winter is to hire professional water damage services; these people have the necessary experience to determine even the most minor point of moisture and water entry into our homes. And they can offer different services that contribute to maintaining the excellent condition of your home.
Remember that the cost of the inspection or preventive measures that professionals install in your home to avoid damage by water will always be cheaper than the high costs produced by water damage repair.
At Zeromold, we have a team of workers willing to provide you with the best advice and solutions to avoid affecting your property's value due to water damage.