Winter Storms and Freezing Temperatures

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Where should you be checking your Columbia or Greene County home when major winter weather strikes? As a Nor’easter heads up the coast this weekend, it is a great reminder to check over your homes or businesses and their readiness for severe winter weather. After a major storm, clean-up can be a pain in the neck and some obvious forms of damage can make themselves apparent, but it is important to inspect your home for even the most minor or insignificant-looking damage to avoid issues in the long run. Here are three great places to start when inspecting your home for any damage after a big winter storm:

• Standing water or ice around the exterior of your home. The Hudson Valley has experienced high levels of rainfall over the past few months which has led saturated grounds to freeze over. This can lead to drainage issues around your home. If water does not properly drain or move away from your home it could lead to seepage in your foundation, basement, or crawlspace.
• Ice damming or snow build up on your roof. When looking over your roof, be sure to look for damage such as missing shingles, debris on the roof, or pockmarks from where hail, branches, or other debris may have struck. These can be indicators a bigger problem with the seal of your roof. Also be sure to clear away any snow build-up to avoid ice damming and water accumulation.
• Ceiling Discoloration. A more obvious sign something could be wrong in your home would be to see any ceiling discoloration inside of your home. This is a common sign that water is leaking from somewhere above, whether it be from a roof leak or compromised or frozen pipes.

By staying vigilant this winter, your home can hopefully stay safe through the roughest of winter weather. Addressing damage after a storm quickly, you are able to avoid more costly issues down the line such as structural damage or even mold.

If you find any level of damage to your home due to a storm this winter, or for any other reason; do not hesitate to give SERVPRO of Columbia and Greene Counties a call 24/7 at (518)943-5005.