Fall Home Prep Tips for the Miami Valley: Warding off Winter Water Damage

The first hard freeze is upon us and you are not confident your home can stand up to it? Or perhaps a burst pipe or an inundated basement is a memory one does not want to relive, and you would like to be certain of that. You may be wondering what exactly should be done before the cold makes its appearance.

Homeowners in the Greater Miami Valley put their trust in Complete Detail Cleaning & Restoration to shield their property from winter water damage. We have been in the region since 2012 as a family-run operation out of Troy. Should you encounter water damage this winter, we are at (937) 915-0138.

For the most part, winter water damage can be avoided with some effort in the fall; it is better than dealing with the expense and aggravation of an emergency when the mercury falls. What follows are our suggestions for those in the Miami Valley.

Clean and Inspect Your Gutters

In Ohio, gutters will be clogged with leaves in no time and they are a prime source of winter water damage. Improper drainage allows water to back up and freeze, making its way under the roofline and into the walls of your home. Make an effort to do these things this fall:

• Clear out any debris, twigs and leaves
• See that downspouts are flushed and water runs unimpeded
• Put in place extensions on the downspouts to direct water from the foundation
• Inspect for loose fasteners or any sagging
• Repair rust, cracks or seams that have come apart

Freezing Pipes

We see frozen pipes cause more than our share of emergencies in the winter. The expansion of water in a pipe is enough to put a crack in copper or PVC, and from one such crack hundreds of gallons can pour into the house. To forestall that kind of trouble:

• Put insulation on pipes in the garage, attic or crawl space
• Shut off exterior faucets and drain the outdoor hoses
• Close off any gaps where cold air can get to your plumbing
• Be sure you can find the main shutoff valve
• In very cold weather a drip from the faucet will keep the water going

If you have a pipe that looks worn or in poor shape, it is wiser to deal with it now than after it has given way. Our team handles both commercial and residential work.

A Look at the Crawl Space

One of the more susceptible areas of a home in the winter is the crawl space, yet it is easy to overlook until trouble starts. Moisture and standing water in the cold can be the start of mold or structural problems. Check for the following:

• Dampness in the soil or water on the ground
• A musty odour
• Insulation that is exposed or in bad order
• Vents or foundation walls with gaps
• Pooling in the vicinity of ductwork or pipes

Our IICRC-certified technicians can be of assistance with crawl space restoration and mold if you come across anything of concern.

Sump Pump

There is no better time than the fall to make sure your sump pump is in working order if you have a basement. Rain and a thaw can have your basement floor flooded in short order if the pump gives out. Put a bucket of water in the pit and see for yourself that the pump engages and disengages as it should. If there is any hesitation, get it fixed.

Windows, Doors and the Foundation

Water seeping into a foundation crack will eventually freeze and open it up further. Seal the small gaps you can to keep out the moisture and cold and put a note by anything that calls for a professional.

Have a Team in Mind

You can prepare as you like but winter has a way of being unpredictable. We have 26 people on our staff and in excess of 50 years of restoration experience between us at Complete Detail Cleaning & Restoration. As an EPA-Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor and Troy Chamber of Commerce member, we are a local resource you can count on. We will put together a full estimate so there are no surprises as to cost or scope of work; free estimates are available. And with our customer advocacy and help with insurance claims from a number of carriers, you will not be left to handle a difficult situation on your own.

Any day of the year we are on call 24/7 for emergency response. For water damage in Dayton, Piqua, Kettering, Troy or the rest of the Miami Valley, pick up the phone at (937) 915-0138. Why put it off and let a minor issue turn into something more?