How Snowfall Can Lead to Costly Water Damage – What You Need to Know

Posted on by msi-admin

Winter brings beautiful snowy landscapes, but it also poses a hidden threat to your home—water damage. When snow accumulates and temperatures fluctuate, melting and refreezing cycles can lead to significant issues, from roof leaks to basement flooding. Homeowners must understand these risks to protect their properties from costly repairs.

The Dangers of Melting Snow

As snow begins to melt, water needs a place to go. If your home isn’t properly prepared, you may experience:

  • Ice Dams – When melting snow refreezes at the edge of your roof, ice dams can form, preventing proper drainage and forcing water under shingles, leading to leaks.
  • Foundation Leaks – Large amounts of melting snow around your home’s foundation can seep into cracks and cause structural damage or basement flooding.
  • Burst Pipes – When water seeps into small crevices and freezes again, it expands, potentially damaging pipes and exterior walls.

How to Protect Your Home

To avoid costly water damage, homeowners should take preventative measures, such as:

  • Clear Your Gutters – Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris to allow proper drainage.
  • Roof Maintenance – Inspect your roof for missing shingles or damage before heavy snowfall.
  • Shovel Snow Away from the Foundation – Remove excess snow from around your home to prevent water pooling near the foundation.
  • Ensure Proper Insulation – Well-insulated attics and walls help prevent ice dams and frozen pipes.

Professional Help When You Need It

If you notice water stains, leaks, or other signs of water intrusion after a snowfall, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. MSI is a 24-hour emergency service water damage restoration company. Since 1998, we have restored thousands of homes and businesses alike to pre-loss conditions. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your home stays safe and dry no matter the season.

Stay proactive this winter and protect your home from the hidden dangers of snowfall. If you need expert assistance, contact MSI today!

What Are Ice Dams & How to Prevent Them

Posted on by msi-admin

You may be feeling warm in your home as the snow serenely falls outside. But, up on your roof, a dangerous situation could be forming – one that can compromise your roof and lead to water damage inside your home. It’s all the result of an ice dam. In this blog, we’ll discuss what is an ice dam, and how to avoid one which can save you money in the long run.

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof and prevents snow melt from running off. It often occurs because heat from the attic warms the middle of your roof, causing snow to melt. When that runoff reaches the eaves, or overhang, of your roof, the cooler surface temperature (there’s no heat rising from inside your home to this part of the roof) can cause the water to refreeze. As this happens over and over, an ice dam forms, preventing melted snow from running off your roof.

Do Ice Dams Cause Damage?

Yes, ice dams cause the water from melted snow to back up under the shingles of your roof and into your home – the water doesn’t have anywhere else to go. This can damage your roof, not to mention your interior. And, remember, water damage can lead to toxic mold inside your home.

How Can I Prevent Ice Dams?

An easy way to help prevent ice dams is to keep your eaves, gutters, downspouts and drains clear. This way water can drain away from your home as snow melts on your roof. It’s ideal to have your gutters cleaned out before snow season even begins. While you’re at it, install gutter screens for added protection.

Here are some other ways to help prevent ice dams:

  • Keep your attic cool. Proper insulation between your living areas and attic will help keep warm air from escaping into your attic and warming your roof. Ideally, during a snow storm, your attic won’t be more than 10 degrees warmer than the temperature outside.
  • Remove snow with a roof rake. Only if you can safely do so, remove accumulated snow from your roof using a long-handled roof rake, a specialized tool for clearing roofs, that won’t damage your roofing material. Do this from the ground. Never climb on top of a snowy roof.
  • Update your roof with materials that help prevent ice dams. These include a rubberized, water-repellant membrane underneath the shingles and a heating cable along the eaves. For either installation, consult a professional.

Ice dams may not be the first thing you think about once the snow stops coming down. After all, there’s the sidewalk and driveway to clear. But, for the sake of your roof and the integrity of your overall home, it’s important to keep an eye out for this winter roof danger.

So, how can you spot ice dams? Icicles may be a sign of ice dams, a buildup of snow and ice along your eaves that blocks water runoff. Discolored ceilings or walls may indicate that your ice dam has turned into a leak. Remember, in the midst of this harsh winter, it’s important to keep your gutters clear, your roof updated and an eye out for the signs of ice dams. If you suspect trouble, call a trusted roofing contractor at once.