Tasks To Keep Water Damage Restoration Costs Down 

Fall is quickly turning into winter in Parsons and throughout all of Kansas. With the change of seasons comes a change in temperatures, which means freezing weather is just around the corner. Our home’s keep us safe and warm during cold winter weather, but without proper maintenance in the fall they can become susceptible to water damage. Here are just a few things you can do around your home to prepare for freezing temperatures and reduce the risk of water damage this winter.

Water Damage Restoration In Parson, KS

1. Clean out rain gutters: Rain gutters collect water from the roof and direct it down from your home and away from the foundation. It is important that rain gutters are not clogged or blocked by debris so that water has a clear path to follow. Leaves, dirt, and other debris will build up in your rain gutters, and can impede the flow of water. If water pools up in your gutters and is not able to funnel through and away from your home, when the temperatures drop that standing water will freeze. This creates a blockage referred to as an ‘ice dam.’ Ice dams can cause cracks and leaks in your gutters and can create some major water damage as temperatures rise and the ice thaws. Before it gets too cold out there, make sure your gutters are clean and clear so water can flow through them freely.
2. Disconnect outside hoses: Outside faucets are very susceptible to freezing because they are exposed to the cold. Most outside faucets are designed to drain water out of them when the faucet is turned off so that it will reduce the risk of the water freezing. However, if a hose is left attached to an outside faucet, that water is not able to drain and is, instead, left in the hose. If that water freezers when the temperature outside gets too cold, it will freeze back up into the faucet. Anytime water freezes it expands, and pipes and faucets are not built to have any give so this expansion creates excess pressure inside the faucet. Unfortunately, when pressure build up too high it will cause pipes to burst in order to release that pressure. Burst pipes result in water damage as soon as water thaws and begins flowing again. The best way to prevent frozen exterior pipes is to unhook exterior hoses before it gets too cold.
3. Check seals around doors and windows: During the winter, we want to keep warm air inside and cold air out, which, in turn, keeps the moisture out. Since doors and windows allow entry into our homes, it is important to make sure the seals around them are tight and waterproof. You can reapply caulk in the fall around windows and door frames to reinforce the seals, and weatherstrips can be placed around doors and windows to prevent drafts. If drats are coming into your home then water can come in as well. Keeping these seals tight and in good condition, and adding extra layers when needed, will not only keep unwanted water out, but also make your heating your home more efficient.