Winter is a magical time of year, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy nights by the fire. But as beautiful as winter can be, it also brings its fair share of challenges. One of those challenges is the havoc that snow can wreak on both residential and commercial properties.
While snow may seem harmless, when it accumulates on roofs, driveways, and sidewalks, it can cause significant damage. As a property owner, it’s essential to understand how snow can impact your home or business and take preventative measures to protect your property.
Let’s take a closer look at potential damage caused by snow and what you can do as a home or business owner to avoid them.
Roof Collapse
Heavy snowfall can exert immense pressure on your roof, especially if it already harbors weaknesses or damages. Snow can put as much as 20 pounds of pressure per square foot, and if left unchecked, it can lead to a roof collapse. Not only is this dangerous for anyone inside the building, but it can also result in costly repairs or even a complete roof replacement.
To prevent this from happening, regular maintenance and snow removal from your roof are crucial. You can remove snow from your roof by using a roof rake or hiring professionals to do it safely and well.
For commercial buildings with flat roofs, such as warehouses, roof snow removal is even more critical. As snow piles up, it can create a significant weight burden that can compromise the structural integrity of your building. Unlike sloped roofs, flat roofs do not facilitate natural snow runoff, increasing the likelihood of heavy snow accumulation.
Consider investing in roof reinforcement if your commercial building is located in a region prone to heavy snowfall. This measure can provide additional support to your roof structure, reducing the risk of collapse under extreme snow loads.
Proactive maintenance is the key to preventing snow-induced roof damage. Whether it’s regular snow removal, timely repairs, or roof reinforcement, these preventative measures can save you from the dangers and financial burdens of a roof collapse. Make sure your property is prepared to weather the winter season safely and efficiently.
Ice Dams
Ice DamsIce dams form when heat from inside your property melts roof snow, causing water runoff that refreezes at the roof’s edge. This cyclic process forms an ice dam, impeding proper drainage and potentially causing water seepage into your property.
Prevent ice dams by ensuring your attic is adequately insulated and ventilated, preventing warm air from melting roof snow. Additionally, using a roof rake to eliminate excess snow can prevent ice dam formation.
Frozen Pipes
Winter weather not only impacts your property’s exterior but also threatens your plumbing system. As temperatures plummet, water in pipes can freeze and expand, leading to burst pipes and costly repairs. Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of flooding during the winter.
Prevent frozen pipes by disconnecting and draining all outdoor hoses before the first frost arrives. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces. If you’re away during winter, consider shutting off your main water supply and draining all fixtures.
If you own a commercial property, hire a professional plumber to thoroughly inspect the plumbing system before winter arrives or as soon as temperatures drop. Make any necessary repairs and insulate the system as needed to prevent pipe freezing and potential damage.
Snowmelt Flooding
With rising temperatures and melting snow, the risk of flooding escalates, especially in areas with high snow accumulation. To prevent snowmelt flooding, clear any debris from storm drains, gutters, and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Consider installing a sump pump in your basement or crawl space to remove excess water.
Sump pumps are designed to pump out water that accumulates in a sump pit. This is typically located in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space and collects excess water from drains around the foundation of your property.
Check your sump pump often to make sure it works well. If you reside in an area prone to snowmelt flooding, consider investing in a backup generator. This will ensure that your pump continues to operate even during power outages.
If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall, invest in a roof rake to safely remove snow from your roof before it melts and potentially causes damage. Clearing ice dams from gutters and downspouts can also help prevent backups and potential leaks.
Emergency Restoration Services for Harsh Winter Weather
While we hope you never need our services, Reynolds Restoration Services is here to assist 24/7 for damages caused by snow and harsh winter weather. With offices in Philadelphia, PA, Harrisburg, PA, and the Baltimore/DC metro region, our professional and trained emergency services team can be at your home or commercial property quickly.
We offer a range of services for winter weather damage, including water extraction, structural drying, board-up services, and more. Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to efficiently and effectively handle any size disaster. We also work closely with insurance companies to ensure a smooth claims process.
At Reynolds Restoration Services, we prioritize safety and quality in all of our work. Our technicians undergo continuous training to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and industry standards for restoration services. We follow strict safety protocols to protect both our clients and our team members.
For prompt emergency services, call us 24/7 at 1-888-277-8280. Our mission is to Respond and Rebuild with Care.
President of Reynolds Restoration Services. Over 20 years of experience in the emergency restoration industry.