What You Need to Know About Winter Storm Damage

Winter is on its way, and for many homeowners and business owners, extremely cold weather conditions can cause property damage and liability issues. As a business owner or homeowner, you want to ensure that your investments are well prepared for the possibility of winter storm damage.

The winter season brings the likely possibility of inclement weather, extreme cold, high winds, snow and sleet, and icy roads and sidewalks. As a result, understanding how to minimize the risks before the weather gets truly dreadful outside is crucial.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the importance of being prepared for the upcoming winter season and provide you with various winter maintenance tips that will help you prepare your home or business for anything the winter season has in store.

Continue reading below to learn more about why National Catastrophe Restoration, Inc. is the most trusted choice for winter storm damage restoration services in the Kansas City and Wichita areas.

The Importance of Preparing Your Home or Business for Winter Weather

The harsh weather that comes with the winter months can put a strain on your home or business. From frozen pipes to concrete damage, when temperatures drop below freezing, several areas of your property are vulnerable to potential problems that may require immediate or future repairs.

Not only can snow and ice buildup can cause tree limbs or power lines to snap and fall onto a house or facility, but heavy snowfall and ice can also cause unseen structural damage and even collapse your roof. Additionally, after a winter storm, ice dams that occur when heavy snow melts and then refreezes can make their way beneath the structure of your home or business, where it melts and cause interior water damage that can often go unnoticed.

Whether your area is prone to snowstorms or other natural disasters, it’s critical to be prepared and know what to do in the event of winter storm damage. Slippery sidewalks, frozen pipes, and power outages are just a few of the hazards that can affect business owners and homeowners during a winter storm, and the result can be devastating for many.

Whether snow, ice, or freezing temperatures, winter weather can cause a slew of problems for homeowners and business owners. As a result, it’s crucial to take adequate steps to ensure you’re prepared.

5 Tips to Protect Your Home or Business from Winter Storm Damage

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Fortunately, thoughtful planning and preparation not only save you time, money, and stress but also helps to reduce the effects of damage caused by winter weather.

Here are five great ways to protect your home or business from potential winter storm damage and ensure your property is structurally sound:

Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing and Bursting

When the weather drops, unprotected water pipes frequently freeze, leaving you without water or heating. Water pipes can freeze and sometimes burst if they are not protected during the winter months. Allowing heat to circulate throughout your home and having adequate insulation can help ensure that the pipes remain at a constant temperature.

To prevent frozen pipes, insulate unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces, and add foam insulation or heat tape to vulnerable pipes. Outdoor hoses and irrigation systems should be drained, and a smart leak detector or automatic excess flow switch should be installed to monitor pipes for problems. To help prevent freezing, keep the water running slightly to keep water flowing through the pipes.

If you find a frozen pipe, use hot towels soaked in warm water to slowly thaw it out. If a water pipe bursts, immediately turn off the water supply by turning the valve to stop the water flow. This will prevent further water damage until the pipe can be repaired.

Inspect Your Roof for Ice Dam Formation

Ice dams form when layers of snow and ice accumulate in the eaves of your roof or gutters. When the snow and ice melt, these ice dams can prevent the water from escaping and causing damage to your roof and the interior of your home or business.

A consistent increase in the amount of snow on a roof can cause structural damage and leaks or water damage in your home or business. Sturdiness, slope, and other factors are all variable and can react differently in harsh winter weather conditions. The amount of snow that your roof and gutters can withstand is determined by the type, age, and condition of your roof and gutters.

After a storm, and only when it is safe to do so, you can remove snow from your roof with a long-handed rake. Additionally, make sure your building is well-insulated above the ceiling and adequately ventilated to avoid ice dams. To prevent flooding, check that your downspouts and gutters are clear on a regular basis.

Purchase a Backup Generator

Purchasing a backup generator is an excellent way to prepare for the possibility of power outages and to help reduce potential disruptions. It also allows you to keep some or all electronic equipment and lights operational and can help to avoid or minimize property damage caused by freezing temperatures. Furthermore, backup generators can also help keep any perishables fresh and your HVAC system running until power is fully restored in your area.

Create a Winter Storm Emergency Plan

During a winter storm, keep your home, family, employees, customers, and building safe by creating a winter storm emergency plan that is easily accessible. This emergency plan should outline and specify the procedures that should be followed in the event of a significant disruption or winter storm disaster.

In your winter storm emergency plan, be sure to include the following:

• Emergency contact information
• Contact information for a winter storm damage restoration company
• Refuge locations in the event of an evacuation
• Non-perishable food and water
• First-aid supplies
• Battery-powered radios and flashlights
• Fire extinguisher

The ability to easily transition to working remotely during incidents is one aspect of a winter storm emergency plan. Before traveling, ensure all communication devices, including laptops and other essential electronics, are fully charged. Additionally, make multiple backups or copies of electronic files, and store records as much as possible off-site.

Contact a Professional Contractor to Inspect Your HVAC Systems

Subzero temperatures will put a strain on your HVAC system by forcing it to work overtime during the winter months. As a result, it’s critical to contact a professional HVAC maintenance and repair company to inspect your HVAC system and identify any potential issues that may arise during the winter months.

National Catastrophe Restoration, Inc. Offers Winter Storm Damage Restoration Services You Can Trust

Winter preparation entails doing everything possible to avoid property damage caused by extreme winter weather. Although it’s always preferable to prevent disasters, this is not always possible. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure the interior and exterior of your home or business remain safe this winter.

In the event of winter storm damage, it’s crucial to be prepared to act quickly and have a professional winter storm damage restoration service you can count on when you need immediate assistance.

For over 50 years, National Catastrophe Restoration, Inc. has been the most trusted choice for winter storm damage restoration services in the Kansas City and Wichita areas. As a full-service disaster restoration company, you can count on us to guide you through the recovery and restoration process after a winter storm, regardless of the extent of the damage. Our team of highly-trained and certified restoration technicians is proud to offer a wide range of professional disaster restoration services that prioritize your family’s safety and protect your company and its assets.

If you want to learn more about our winter storm damage restoration services, or any of our other disaster recovery services, contact National Catastrophe Restoration, Inc. today to speak with one of our specialists about how we can assist you.