Frequent snowfall and freezing temperatures put a strain on residential plumbing and roofing systems. If melting snow can’t drain from the roof or frozen pipes crack, the moisture could cause major water damage to both the interior and exterior of your property. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your space from extreme winter weather.  

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter & Avoid Water Damage

1.Inspect & Repair the Roof

Having a professional inspect the roof could prevent common winter problems. A contractor will secure shingles, fix broken flashing, and address additional problems. This way, air from the HVAC equipment won’t seep onto the roof and cause snow to melt in some areas and freeze in others, which is how ice dams form and cause interior water damage.  

2. Invest in Gutter Maintenance 

If gutters are clogged with fallen leaves, twigs, and dirt from autumn, rain runoff and melting snow won’t drain from the roof. The moisture could corrode shingles, seep through the substrate, and settle in the attic. If gutters have pulled away from the house, moisture could also trickle down the exterior walls and pucker, split, or warp siding. A gutter repair specialist will prevent these issues. They’ll unclog the channels, so water can flow freely and won’t freeze in the fixtures. To ensure equipment doesn’t buckle under the weight of snow, a technician will also replace missing and loose fasteners.   

3. Add Insulation to Exposed Pipes

Pipes along exterior walls should be insulated before temperatures drop. Otherwise, the fixtures could freeze and crack when exposed to colder conditions. A plumber can cover the installations with pre-slit pipe foam for added warmth. Pipe insulation with an R-3 to R-7 value should prevent plumbing problems in particularly cold climates. 

Even with proper care, emergency situations could arise during harsh winters in Flathead County, MT. If you experience water damage, the professionals at FloodCo will restore the safety and comfort of your home and prevent mold growth. For emergency water removal, call (406) 892-1717, or visit them online to see how they approach floodwater situations.