From ice dams and heavy snowfall to frozen or bursting pipes, the harsh winter weather wreaks havoc on our homes. However, there are a few things we can do to prevent these damages from occurring each winter—such as cleaning our gutters before the cold weather arrives and removing an ice dam as soon as one forms. To learn more about types of damage and the things we can do protect our homes each winter, read on.
Ice Dams
When melting snow and icicles accumulate along the edge of your roof during the cold winter months, ice dams may form. Once ice dams form, melting snow cannot properly drain from the roof—and water can sometimes leak into the home and damage the insulation, walls, and ceilings. However, cleaning your gutters before winter arrives can help to prevent ice dams from forming, and protect your home from costly and unsightly damages that could occur.
In the event that an ice dam does form along the edge of your roof, it must be removed immediately. Unless the dam is leaking into your home or you’re unable to reach the problem area on your own, you may be able to fix the issue without hiring a professional roofer or contractor. If you choose to hire a professional to assist you, however, note that credible companies typically use steam to remove ice dams—while those who are less reputable may use damaging methods such as pressure washers or metal shovels. Before hiring a contractor, find out which removal method they use. You can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$600 per hour for a pro to remove an ice dam.
Roof Strain
In addition to the hazards of ice dams, an accumulation of heavy snow can lead to roof strain and a whole multitude of issues—including cracked walls, a leaking roof, a sagging ceiling, and even roof collapse in some cases. To protect your roof each winter, prevent a collapse from occurring, and minimize the cost of any repairs that may need to be made, AccuWeather recommends the following:
- Using a rake to remove snow from the roof, or call a professional contractor for assistance if you’re unable to safely reach the roof on your own
- Calling a professional roofing contractor immediately if the roof is sagging or at risk of collapsing
- Inspecting and maintaining the roof throughout the year
- Making timely repairs to the roof, as this will help to keep future repair costs down. Note the average roof repair in St. Paul runs from $281 – $891
Frozen Pipes
During the cold winter months, your roof isn’t the only thing you’ll need to worry about. You’ll also need to watch out for frozen pipes that could burst and damage your home and other personal belongings. To prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter, there are a few things you can do before the temperatures begin to drop:
- Sealing gaps, cracks, and drafty areas in your basement or attic
- Keeping pipes warm with heating tape, extra insulation, or heat cables
- Keeping your heat turned on, even if you’ll be away for an extended period of time
- Disconnecting garden hoses and storing them away for the winter
- Turning off and draining sprinkler systems
If your pipes do freeze, you can try to thaw them on your own to keep them from bursting. If your pipes burst, however, you’ll save on professional repair costs if you attempt to slow the impact before a plumber arrives to assist you. The quicker you act, the more damage you can avoid and the more money you can save.
A Final Word
Now that you’re familiar with these common types of cold-weather damages, you’ll be prepared for just about anything winter throws your way. The more you do to winterize, inspect, and maintain your home throughout the year, the lower your cost of repairs will be in the event that your house sustains damages due to snow, ice, freezing temperatures, or strong winds.