Handling Snow Melt Water Damage Before Water Damage Restoration Team Arrives
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Most homeowners understand how a heavy rainfall or storm can cause water damage in their homes. Few understand the risk of severe snowstorms leading to water damage. Too much snow on the home’s roof or gutters can melt and seep into the foundation, putting the structural integrity at risk.
If you think your home is at risk of water damage due to heavy snowfall, contact the professional water damage restoration team at DK Environmental in Marysville, WA, today.
The Weight of Snow
Snow and ice weigh heavily on the home’s roof as they accumulate and wait to melt. When fresh snow falls on accumulated leaves and debris, the weight increases further. A layer of ice atop it all adds even more weight and risk. Too much weight and water on the roof can lead to roof damage and leaks.
Ten to twelve inches of loose snow equates to about one inch of water. But three to five inches of densely packed snow equates to about one inch of water.
It’s essential to adequately winterize homes in Washington, protecting them for whatever the winter brings. Snow accumulating at the foundation of the home can even cause severe problems. The frozen ground prevents the melted snow from running off, allowing it to pool around the home, potentially entering through gaps in the foundation.
Get a Professional to Seal Cracks and Gaps
An easy way to get ahead of snow buildup is to get a professional team to seal any cracks and holes in the home’s exterior walls, roof, and foundation. DK Environmental uses hydraulic cement and masonry caulk to safely and affordably seal everything up for the winter.
Homeowners should survey their interior walls for any openings, including inside the insulation. Water will make its way through even the smallest holes. Take note of any sloping toward the foundation, as this will allow water to pool, eat at the home’s exterior, and make its way inside.
Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
Getting a water damage restoration team to remove leaves, mud, and debris from gutters helps the system work as intended when the freezing temperatures hit. It’s crucial to begin this process in late fall once all the nearby trees have dropped their leaves.
If homeowners fail to clear gutters ahead of time, ice dams can arise, leading to water damage during the winter.
Clear Snow from the Roof
Periodically brushing excess snow off the roof will ultimately reduce buildup and give homeowners better chances of avoiding flood and water damage. Snow accumulation will not always present a problem, but the more there is, the harder runoff will hit when it all melts.
If snowmelt causes leaks or flooding in the home, contact a professional water removal company to assess the damage.
Reach Out to a Water Damage Restoration Team Today
Whether you need more tips on how to winterize your home correctly or you’ve sustained severe water damage due to winter storms, DK Environmental is here to help!
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Contact the water damage restoration team at DK Environmental today at (425) 903-4356 to get a knowledgeable, affordable, and trustworthy team. The water removal technicians will eradicate any traces of water damage and handle everything from minor leaks to full-home floods. Service areas include Arlington, Everett, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Marysville, Monroe, and surrounding areas.
