Winter Water Damage In Cedar Rapids

Many people believe that after the high temperatures and dry days of summer go away, water consumption drops considerably. Actually, the more time people spend indoors due to  cold weather, the more water they consume. And the colder it gets in Cedar Rapids, the more chance homes have of suffering from winter water damage.

Water Damage In Cedar Rapids

Burst Pipes

Frozen pipes (leading to broken pipes) are the greatest cause of water damage in winter. On average an incident costs $18,000 per homeowner claim.  

Plus, frozen ground increases the downward force on pipes from the outside. From within, the more temperatures fluctuate—causing continuous expansion and contraction of pipes—the more stress is placed on those pipes, increasing their susceptibility to breaks. Moreover, colder water traveling through the pipes can also have a damaging effect. Be proactive homeowners. Identify your home’s freezing points and eliminate sources of cold air near water lines. 

Roof Damage From High Winds?

We have some serious storms here in Cedar Rapids. Shingles can come flying off at around 70 mph winds; roof damage is very common. Homes with wood shake roofs can last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years or asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years. The lifespan of all types of roofs will be shortened by weather extremes; the roof will degrade from wind storms. Just a few damaged or missing shingles can end up allowing a lot of water inside during strong winds.  

Damage From Ice Dams Or Condensation

Repeated freezing and thawing of rooftop snow can cause enough damage to the roof to cause a leak. To prevent ice dams, eliminate or reduce the amount of warm air that is escaping into the attic. After an ice dam, you need to repair damage to insulation, joists and sheetrock.

Midwestern homes also might experience a winter-time “leak” caused by condensation or frost buildup in the attic. This is not workmanship related or an actual roof leak. To prevent frost  condensation from developing in your attic you, again, must eliminate or reduce the amount of air leakage into the attic. Improving insulation and ventilation allows moist air to escape the roof.

Floor Damage From Wet Shoes (and Paws)

Protect your floors from snow, salt and mud. Everytime you, a guest or your pet encerts the home, use two door mats. Keep a study one for scraping outside; keep a soft clean one inside for cleaning and drying feet and paws. Launder them often to keep your entire home cleaner.

Check the seal around the door for leakage. Seals wear out and lose their insulative properties over time. 

Call Challis For Your Water Damage Needs

The water damage team at Challis Restoration in Cedar Rapids understands the restoration and recovery process – from first-aid measures and emergency response to technical services and total reconstruction. Over 25 years of experience If you have any questions regarding water damage cleanup, storm damage restoration, sewage damage repair, or flooding cleanup call us.