A few hours of heavy snow isn't as dramatic as powerful gusts in a thunderstorm or a torrential downpour, but it can be just as damaging to a house. There are several types of home damage that you should check for after a snowstorm. The chances of serious damage increase exponentially when temperatures are particularly low or if snow and ice stay on the roof for several consecutive days. Here are four home damages that you should look out for after a snowstorm rolls through.
Frozen Pipes
Since snowstorms usually arrive alongside freezing temperatures, homeowners need to keep an eye on their plumbing system during and after the event. External hose hookups are usually the first victims if you haven't already drained the lines and disabled the water supply. Pipes that run through basements or other areas without insulation are also at higher risk. It’s important to keep an eye out for pipes when a snowstorm rolls through.
Roof Damage or Collapse
The sheer weight of snow and ice on the roof creates a risk of serious structural damage. In fact, winter storms are one of the most common reasons why homeowners need to seek out professional roof repair services. Serious damage or a collapse rarely happens spontaneously. Usually, it's a result of long-term deterioration combined with a sudden increase in load, like stationary snow drifts.
Tree Damage
Accumulation of ice and snow can have some pretty dramatic effects on trees. Even large branches aren't immune to the effects of this kind of massive weight for a prolonged period. Falling trees and branches are another way that snow storms can damage a home. A falling tree can easily breach a home's walls and cause serious damage to the inside. It’s important to trim trees near your home because of this risk.
Ice and Salt
Slippery ice on exterior walking surfaces is a common post-storm threat during the winter months. Some snow often melts during the warmer parts of the day but freezes again at night. The constant freezing and melting of ice, as well as the corrosive effects of the salt put down to prevent slipping, can wreak havoc on decks and sidewalks.
Even though snow can cause costly damage to your home, there's not much you can do once the storm has started. Every homeowner should prepare for these risks ahead of time so they can spend their snow day relaxing instead of worrying.
