Avoid Fall Property Damage in Northern Summit County

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Do a little maintenance around your home now and avoid disaster later.

Spring is the season with the most rain, so it only makes sense that it would be the season that results in the most water damage at properties, right? Well actually, water damage property claims go up by about 30% in the fall and early winter. Fall storms can wreak just as much havoc as any other time of the year, and often even moreso because we aren’t prepared for the bad weather

Rain itself isn’t usually the main culprit that causes damage and disaster, it’s the lack of preparation or issues with maintenance that typically result in big issues. For instance, when heavy rains come in the fall, or even mild rains, that water is competing with debris as it tries to move away from your home. Your gutters, for instance, can easily become clogged with all of the falling leaves and if water can’t move away from your home it might end up inside of it. Additionally, if the gradient around your home isn’t sloping down and away from your home, it could mean that water is collecting around your foundation and seeping into your home.

Another common fall problem is frozen and burst pipes. It is very important that you winterize and outdoor faucets or spigots to make sure that they don’t freeze with the sudden temperature drops. Of course, the fall is typically mild until late November or so but you can never predict when the temperature might plummet to freezing, causing snow and ice. Make sure that any vulnerable pipes that are exposed to the elements are properly insulated to prevent freezing and bursting. You should also make sure to keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees or higher to make sure that you are maintaining enough warmth in your home to prevent dips that can cause freezing.

You should always take whatever steps you can to ensure that your property is safe from damage, but if the worst happens to you, you can count on SERVPRO of Northern Summit County to have your back. We are faster to any disaster.