The opinions surrounding snow vary widely.
You may be one of those people that runs outside as soon as there’s enough snow to build a snowman, and you’re thrilled to run up a hill to get that 7-second rush as you zoom back down on a sled.
But for those of us who aren’t quite as rosy-cheeked and child-like, snow means a different variety of winter activities. It means spending an hour or 2 digging the cars out of the driveway…or the unexpected shovel fest after you’ve slid off the road…
And there are other parts of this winter weather that can be problematic as well which can cause potential problems in your home.
Join Good to Go Maintenance, a general contractor in Long Island, NY, as we show you a few things to watch out for when those pretty white flakes begin to fall.
Pretty Snow = Water Damage?
Looking out the window as the soft snow slowly builds up on the ground and in the trees, it can be hard to believe that something so beautiful could be anything but lovely.
Tell that to your house.
There’s nothing wrong with a nice blanket of snow across your yard. But when it accumulates on your roof or around your home’s foundation, it can become a problem.
Roof Problems Galore
Did you know that 1 inch of snow on a typical residential roof melts into about 100 gallons of water? Yikes!
While you’re out making snow angels, your roof is bearing the load of wet, heavy snow.
Even worse, as the temperatures rise and fall throughout winter’s cycle, melted snow can get trapped under roof shingles and expand again in freezing weather—meaning damage to shingles!
As the weather finally warms and the snow is gone for the season, it may be a good idea to call a general contractor in Long Island, NY to inspect your roof. A general contractor can spot winter roof damage early to save you from hardships later on!
Leaky Basement
Just like with your roof, your basement can also pose a big problem with winter water leaks!
As a house slowly settles year after year, small cracks within the basement floor or walls may form. As temperatures drop, the moisture within the soil is often forced upwards due to pressure, meaning moisture can be forced through those gaps to create a wet basement!
Another major basement leaker is our downspouts! With winter comes rain, ice, and tons of melting snow! If a downspout is placed too close to the home, that water can oversaturate the ground or sneak its way in through fine cracks in the basement’s foundation. To avoid this issue, before the weather gets cold, make sure your downspout is at least 4 feet away from your home and that 1 downspout drains no more than 35 feet of gutter.
The Reality…You May Need A General Contractor
We get it, as you were enjoying a winter wonderland, your roof and basement were being put to the ultimate winter test.
If you experienced leaks or roof damage, you’re not alone!
It’s essential to repair damages right away. If moisture seeps through the roof or into basements, the possibility of mold growth increases drastically—creating an unsafe environment for you and your family!
To combat this problem, call a general contractor in Long Island, NY to inspect your roof or provide any needed repairs. With over 40 years of experience with general contracting, Good to Go Maintenance provides water damage restoration and roofing installation and repairs. Call (631) 403-7855 to learn more!
