Harsh winter weather can really take a toll on your home.
The inevitable freeze has finally hit the mid-Atlantic, and along with that likely comes plenty of snow and ice. We often take shelter from the extreme cold temperatures and freezing precipitation inside our homes, where we’re safe from the winter conditions, but many people don’t realize that if proper precautions aren’t taken, the snow and ice can easily take its toll on our homes as well. Be aware of the damage that snow and ice can bring upon your home and take steps toward winter weather protection to prevent serious winter home damage.
Ice Dams
When snow melts from your roof and refreezes in the gutter, it can form a wall of ice — called an ice dam — that can eventually force water from melting snow and ice to instead divert underneath shingles and into your house. This can result in leaks, and eventually serious water or roof damage. You can have a professional come and melt the ice dam if you already have one, or else proper ventilation and insulation can prevent one from ever forming in the first place.
Basement Floods from Melting Snow
Hydraulic pressure can pull water from the soil through the concrete of your foundation or your basement walls. Shoveling snow away from your foundation can prevent excess snow melt from leaking into your house. This can also be fixed with proper landscaping in the spring, a well-functioning gutter system, or waterproofing your foundation.
Snow Mold on Grass
If you’re one to forgo raking leaves in the fall, or if you didn’t give your lawn that one final mow before the cold hit, you’ll be dealing with two of the most common causes of snow mold this spring. The ugly gray patches will go away on their own once it warms up outside, but you can help the process along by dethatching the grass and adding some grass seed at the right time.
These are just a few common examples of winter home damage that homeowners face during the winter months, but proper winter weather protection can help keep your home in great shape year-round.
Roofing and Siding Contractor in MD, PA, DC, VA, WV, & DE
Founded in 1988, Topper Construction has quickly grown to become one of the largest roofing and siding contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region thanks to our commitment to providing clients with quality work at a competitive price. We install the full range of vinyl siding from major brands, giving you a wide variety to choose from.
For immediate assistance or questions about slate roofing or roofing material, please call 301-874-0220. We are headquartered in Frederick, Maryland with a satellite office in Pittsburgh to help us better serve you, our customers.
We proudly service areas throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.
