Top 5 Causes of Water Damage and How to Prevent Them This Winter

1/28/2025 (Permalink)

Top 5 Causes of Water Damage and How to Prevent Them This Winter

Winter is a season of cozy evenings and holiday cheer, but it’s also when homes and businesses are at greater risk for water damage. The combination of freezing temperatures, heavy precipitation, and potential maintenance oversights can lead to costly repairs and disruptions. At SERVPRO of East Greenville County, we understand the importance of protecting your property during the colder months. Here, we explore the top five causes of water damage in winter and provide practical tips to prevent them.

1. Frozen and Burst Pipes

One of the most common causes of winter water damage is frozen pipes. When temperatures plummet, the water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to burst. This can lead to significant water damage within minutes.

Prevention Tips:

• Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
• Keep a Consistent Temperature: Maintain a steady indoor temperature of at least 55°F, even if you’re away.
• Let Faucets Drip: During extreme cold, allowing a small trickle of water to flow through faucets can prevent freezing.
• Seal Drafts: Check for drafts near pipes and seal any gaps in windows, doors, or walls to keep the cold out.

2. Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat from your home’s attic melts snow on the roof. The melted water flows to the edge of the roof and refreezes, creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage. This trapped water can seep into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.

Prevention Tips:

• Improve Attic Insulation: Proper insulation prevents heat from escaping, which can help reduce ice dam formation.
• Clear Gutters: Ensure gutters and downspouts are free of debris to allow melted snow to drain away.
• Use a Roof Rake: After a heavy snowfall, use a roof rake to remove snow from the edges of your roof.
• Ventilate the Attic: Good ventilation keeps the attic cool and reduces the chance of snow melting unevenly.

3. Heavy Snowfall and Roof Leaks

Snow accumulation on roofs can lead to structural stress and leaks, especially if the roof is already weakened or poorly maintained. When snow begins to melt, the water can seep through cracks and cause damage inside your property.

Prevention Tips:

• Inspect Your Roof: Check for damaged shingles, loose flashing, or other vulnerabilities before winter starts.
• Clear Snow Safely: Use professional snow removal services or proper tools to avoid damaging the roof.
• Ensure Proper Drainage: Verify that gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.

4. Faulty Heating Systems

Malfunctioning or outdated heating systems can contribute to water damage in two ways: leaks from boilers or radiators and improper humidity levels causing condensation. Either issue can result in water pooling where it shouldn’t.

Prevention Tips:

• Schedule Maintenance: Have your heating system inspected and serviced annually by a qualified professional.
• Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect radiators, boilers, and HVAC systems for any signs of leakage.
• Control Indoor Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent condensation buildup.

5. Basement Flooding

Winter storms, rapid snowmelt, or poor drainage can lead to water seeping into your basement. Cracks in the foundation or clogged sump pumps can exacerbate the problem.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal Foundation Cracks: Inspect your foundation for cracks and use sealant to prevent water infiltration.
• Maintain Sump Pumps: Test your sump pump regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Grade the Landscape: Ensure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation to direct water away.
• Install Window Well Covers: These covers can keep snow and ice from accumulating around basement windows.

Why Timely Action is Crucial

Water damage doesn’t just disrupt your daily life; it can also lead to long-term issues like mold growth, weakened structural integrity, and costly repairs. Quick action can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major problem. SERVPRO of East Greenville County specializes in water damage restoration, providing expert services to help you recover quickly.

How SERVPRO Can Help

At SERVPRO of East Greenville County, we offer comprehensive water damage restoration services tailored to your needs. From initial assessment and water extraction to drying and repairs, our team is equipped to handle it all. With 24/7 emergency services, we’re always here to help when you need us most.

Our Services Include:

• Water extraction and removal
• Structural drying and dehumidification
• Mold prevention and remediation
• Reconstruction and repair

Final Thoughts

Winter water damage can be a major headache, but with proper precautions and timely action, you can protect your property and enjoy the season worry-free. If you experience water damage despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of East Greenville County. Our experienced team is ready to restore your home or business to its pre-damage condition—“Like it never even happened."