Stop Water Damage this Winter

2/13/2021 (Permalink)

Homes can suffer water damage at any time during the year. But it’s important to keep in mind that seasonal dangers are unique—especially in places with harsh winters like we have near Gillette and Sheridan.

In general, water damage claims are among the most common ones insurance companies see during the year. Insurance experts estimate that roughly one in every 50 American homeowners files a water damage claim each year.

These can vary in severity, from major flood or storm damage to repairing a busted pipe. In fact, you likely know someone who filed a water damage claim this year.

The Best Steps to Keep Your Home Safe

Taking care of your home and doing regular maintenance is your best protection against routine water damage.

What do you need to watch out for this winter? Experts have some advice about places to look when you’re getting your home ready to weather winter’s unique home maintenance needs:

Get a good look at your foundation. Being sure your home’s foundation doesn’t have any cracks is one of the first things you should do to prepare for winter. Water damage in basements is a common reason homeowners need remediation services. Additionally, water seeping into cracks during the winter and freezing can cause cracks to widen. That happens because water expands when it freezes.

Get your gutters clean before it starts snowing. In general, it’s a good idea to clean your home’s gutters a couple of times each year. Keeping them free of debris and flowing can help stop water from pooling or flowing in ways that can damage your home. Also, clean gutters are less likely to be filled with damaging ice.

Protect your pipes. Did you know frozen pipes are the most common reason homeowners file water damage claims in the winter? You don’t have to be one of them. If the forecast calls for a winter storm or an unseasonably frigid night, leave the faucets in your home dripping. (It doesn’t have to be much—just enough to keep water flowing.) You’re much less likely to find busted, frozen pipes if you take this step.

Find spots that need to be sealed. Like checking the foundation, this step is important because water expands when it freezes. Shingles, window panes and siding that aren’t secure can allow water into your home. And that water can freeze, expand and damage your home.

If you find yourself in  need of a water removal or water loss, call us today and see what we can do for you