Water Damage And Cleanup From Weather Conditions

There are many ways for water damage to happen inside the home, such as appliance malfunction, leaky pipes, overflowing bathtubs, etc. There are many ways for water damage to occur from weather as well. These can range from tropical storms, hail, heavy rain, snow, wind, and even just cold weather. Many times, humans fail to acknowledge how harsh the effects of weather can be on a home. From the water damage cleanup experts at On-Site Cleaning in Sterling Heights, here are a few things one should be aware of when dealing with water damage cleanup.

Water Damage Cleanup In Sterling Heights

Wind

You must be thinking how wind can cause water damage. Well, it indirectly causes water damage. High winds can cause tree branches to rub against the roof, causing shingles to dismantle. In addition, trees and other shrubs can puncture the roof and weak spots in siding. These effects of wind cause the home to be vulnerable to water. A roof patch without shingles or a hole lets the water leak through; therefore, ceilings, and walls experience water damage.

Heavy Rain

Large amounts of rain can cause water damage many different ways. For example, if gutters aren’t properly clear, heavy rain can cause backflow; therefore, the excess water leaks through the roof and into the ceiling. Water is one of the most powerful sources ever. Therefore, rainwater will find cracks in window seals and foundations. Water will leak through them to the home but also make the cracks worse. Lastly, precipitation soaks into the ground. An inadequate foundation or faulty sump pump allows your basement to be at risk for water damage cleanup. 

Snow

Similar to heavy rain, snow can cause a variety of water damage and cleanup issues. Snow has many of the same effects as rain, but the cold temperature makes it worse. Cracks in foundations, roofs, and window seals get worse due to cold temperatures; therefore, snow poses many risks. Melting snow has the same effects as rain since it will soak into the ground. The increased water content in the ground forces water into the home. Snow can also cause ice dams in the gutters. If snow doesn’t melt right away or it just sits in the gutters, it causes a dam which blocks the flow of water out of the gutter. This blockage makes it possible for water to soak into the roof; therefore, causing water damage. 

Cold Temperatures

One of the most common causes of water damage and cleanup costs comes from frozen pipes and busted pipes. Frozen pipes are caused when water is frozen within, causing pressure to increase; consequently, a frozen pipe can lead to a broken/leaky pipe. Any temperature below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) may cause frozen pipes. Secondly, cold temperatures also play a role in ice dams. Undrained water or snow in the gutter can freeze due to cold temperatures; therefore, causing a dam and overflow of water.

Hail

Hail can cause water and structural damage. Obviously, hail is just frozen water, so when it melts water has the potential to soak into ceilings, windows, and walls. Hail will have some of the same effects and snow and rain. Next, depending on the intensity of the storm, hail can cause a lot of structural damage. However, hail mainly damages the roof. It wears down the shingles and may even cause them to fly off the roof, leaving the roof vulnerable. 

Overall, there are many causes of water damage from weather. Whether you know about them or not, it’s important to be aware in order to better protect your home. Water damage cleanup can be an expensive hassle to handle, so start now and protect your home from the weather.