Warm, humid air outside the home can seep under the doors and windows, causing the exterior to freeze. The low temperatures on the exterior can cause moisture that permeates the walls, floors, and even the roof to freeze.

The home’s interior can experience a similar problem with the heat rising through the floors, while the cold air and moisture permeating the lower areas of the house can cause the walls and floors to freeze. This causes cracks to form and the moisture to leak through the structure, creating additional problems from ice dams, water intrusion, and a drastic reduction in the strength of the home’s foundation.

This article will look at how property damage can happen during the winter months. Read on below to learn more.

Common Winter Hazards

In the winter, your home may experience any of the following:

• A loss of heat to your home causes the pipes inside to freeze and, in some cases, burst.

• Frozen exterior conditions may cause ice to form and threaten the integrity of your home.
• Frozen external conditions may cause ice to form and threaten the integrity of your home.
• Frost in the attic or overhangs can cause the roof to cave in or even collapse entirely.
• Frozen surfaces, such as icy walls and floors, can cause cracking of the structure itself.
• Exterior water damage.

House Fires

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean house fires can’t occur. In fact, they’re more likely to happen during this time, which is why many insurance companies prepare for fires from December to February.

House fires in winter are due to several reasons, including frozen or faulty fireplaces, blocked chimneys, and excess amounts of heating designed to combat the cold temperature outside. While most fireplaces are used for the pleasure of their ambiance, others are used to heat the home. When left unattended, fires can easily ignite, causing significant damage to your home. While the use of safety devices, such as a manual switch, may help prevent fires, you and your family members must know how to react in the event of a blaze.

Preventing Winter Damage

To help prevent damage to your home during the winter, you can follow a few tips.

Ensure Your Heating System Is in Working Order

Check your heating system to make sure it is functioning correctly. The system must produce a consistent amount of heating throughout the house. Otherwise, frozen pipes and cracks can form in the walls, ceilings, and floors.

Close All Outdoor Doors and Windows

You have to make sure all the doors and windows are closed and locked to prevent moisture from seeping through cracks and ruining the inside of your home.

Lower Your Heating Temperature

When setting your furnace, try reducing the temperature by 5 degrees. The lower setting will still keep you warm without putting a large amount of heat into the home, which would cause the moisture from outside to seep through the structure.

Make Sure the Water Is Running

Keep the faucets running to prevent pipes from freezing. The pipe running through the bathroom is a frequent culprit of freezing problems.

Find and Seal Leaks

You need to look around your home to find potential leaks, such as gaps around windows and doors and cracks in the walls and ceilings. Then, seal each of these leaks.

Get the HVAC System Inspected

Ensure your heating system is working correctly and includes an adequate amount of insulation. You also need to check if the air vents are adequately sealed and that the chimneys are in good condition.

Keep Heating System Flues Clear

If you are using a wood-burning fireplace, make sure you keep the flues clean and clear from any obstructions. If you are burning wood in an outside fire pit, make sure there are no leaves or other objects nearby that could catch fire.

Conclusion

Winter is a time of growth, but it also has its dangers. The frigid weather can leave your home in peril and may even result in the loss of irreplaceable possessions. By taking the proper precautions, you should be able to prevent your walls from cracking, your roof from falling in, and your power from going out due to freezing temperatures.

Master Restoration Idaho provides top-quality services for water damage restoration in Boise, ID. We understand the need to ensure your home is safe from the elements, which is why we work fast as soon as you get in touch with us. Before you know it, your home is fixed. Contact us today to learn how we can help!