Cold weather brings property owners a varied number of challenges. Ice, snow, and sleet can ruin the walkway, roof, siding, and even driveways. This usually means staying within, just walking outside to remove snow from the entrance quickly before returning home. The damages done by the snowstorm are not sometimes even visible. And people may not know what type of damage the snowstorm might have caused. Hence, it is important to call a restoration contractor for inspection and solution.
During a bad snowstorm, the temperature generally increases and falls throughout the day. This can lead to water draining into brickwork, recesses, and deck chambers. Moreover, heavy snow can weigh more than your roof can hold structurally. Therefore, snow causes it to collapse in serious situations.
Here are the various types of damages that may have occurred because of a snowstorm:
Damages from a Snowstorm
- Flooding and water damage – It is common for pipes to freeze and burst, and cause extreme floods. When the temperature increases, the accumulated snow eventually melts. Ice and snow often thaw and cause considerable flooding. It often occurs too quickly.
- Fires – Unattended and unclean fireplaces and space heaters that are connected to the overloaded outlets or left too close to inflammable items can cause fires in a winter storm.
- Ice Dams Damage – These occur when the snow melts or freeze on the edge of the roof – often during nightfall temperatures. The ice dams to the house and prevents further snow from flowing into canals. Pools of water get collected on the roof. Then, it damages shingles and ruins the interior of the house.
- Roof Damage – The build-up of snow may cause the roof to collapse or to cause it at least substantial harm. Tree branches could also fall under the snow, causing damage to the roof.
- Soaks the House- Due to temperature variation, snow often melts and refreezes. This process leads water to flow into the brickwork, siding, and ceiling causing structural problems.
- Gutter Damage – Ice and snow will accumulate in gutters. The excess of ice and snow could cause them to collapse if they’re not in great shape.
- Sidings Damage – High winds can cause siding damage or blow objects into your house. While damage to windows is also a risk.
What to do if you face any of these damages?
Call a restoration company as soon as possible. As mentioned above, you might now even realize the extreme damages caused by the snowstorm. Professional expertise and help are what are required in situations like these.
But while you are waiting for the personnel from the damage restoration company to arrive, these are the following steps you can take:
- Firstly, ensure the safety of all the family members. Do not roam around in the house.
- Watch for powered lines. Do not go near the power lines in your yard. The power surge may cause terrible accidents.
- Make sure you have charged batteries of devices. Since a snowstorm will likely lead to electricity loss. Essential machines such as carbon monoxide detectors must be charged.
- Document the pictures caused by the snowstorm. This will be helpful during the process of insurance.
- Look for broken water pipes and close the water supply until it is repaired.
- Check the damage caused in the interiors of the house. In case of any structural damages, try and stay out of your home.
- Also, assess the chimney and roof for any damages. A bad condition chimney may back up the smoke in your room.
- Try fixing the broken windows temporarily with the help of plywood and blankets.
- Look out for broken tree branches also. Even be careful with the damage to the tree. It may fall anytime.
Lastly, constantly listen to the radio for emergency announcements. And be in contact with your damage restoration contractors.
Let us now also discuss the various ways you can prevent any damage from a snowstorm.
Prevention of damages caused due to snowstorm
- Ensure that your house is well insulated. Include additional layers of insulation wherever possible.
- Make sure that the roof is in good condition and shingles are also installed. Even the state of walls should be proper.
- Install wind-resistant glasses if possible.
- Have alternatives for heating methods. Store sufficient fuel and maintain fireplaces and coal stoves.
- Keep a regular check for any leak or crack.
- Install smoke alarms and ensure proper ventilation in homes. Clear snow from external vents and furnishes exhausting from oil or gas combustion.
- Clear the doorways and walkways of your home for easy access.
- Make sure that pipes do not freeze. Wrap newspapers or rags to provide protection. But also let faucets to drip a little.
- Ensure the ample amount of emergency supplies such as food and water.
- There should be a properly working drainage system. Clear the debris from basins for a free flow of melted snow.
- Do not forget to trim the bushes and trees.
- Most importantly, secure your property with insurance.
Restoration process is a tedious and time-taking task. Try to be calm and patient during the snowstorm. With effective preventive measures, the damages from a snowstorm can be controlled. Even if you suffer from any damages, the best way to resolve them is by hiring a professional. Trusted, insured and reliable professionals can evaluate damages correctly. Not only this but also, they ensure that your home is code-oriented and in top form.
