Top 5 Causes of Water Damage in the Spring & How to Prevent Them

When the winter months have passed and temperatures begin to rise, it’s easy to look forward to the warmer weather and longer days to come. But there are still some steps you need to take to make sure your home or business is properly protected against what’s to come during the springtime. After all, the arrival of spring can sometimes lead to a higher risk of water damage, and water damage can become both costly to fix and potentially damaging to the health of you or anyone inside your property due to the increased likelihood of mold growth. The good news is that many of the common causes of water damage in the spring months can be prevented, and it starts with understanding the risks that are at play. Let the professionals at Environment Control Restoration run down the top five causes of water damage in the springtime—and what you can do to prevent them.

Melting Snow Around the Foundation

One of the more natural contributors to water damage risks in the early part of spring is melting snow. When snow starts to thaw and melt, that can lead to large amounts of water pooling around the base of your property. And if the ground is still frozen or the soil is oversaturated, that water may not drain properly. When that happens, it can force its way through small cracks or weak points in your property’s foundation, leading to water intrusion.

The best way to prevent this from becoming a major problem for your home or business is to ensure that you’re keeping snow piles away from your property during the winter months. Because when snow is shoveled or plowed directly against the foundation of your property, the risks of eventual water damage being incurred will increase. Proper grading is another way around this problem, as that will help direct melted snow and rainwater away from your property rather than allowing it to collect. Plus, regular inspections of your home or business’ foundation is always a worthwhile endeavor, too.

Clogged Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters play a major role in protecting your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof and the foundation of your property. When your system is operating efficiently and effectively, everything is fine. But during the wintertime, your gutters may become clogged with leaves, sticks, debris, and/or ice, and when spring rain arrives, those clogged gutters aren’t able to drain properly. Instead, they overflow, which can cause water to spill over the sides and either collect at the foot of your property or seep into any cracks that exist within your home’s siding. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to water damage. 

One way to combat this potential cause of water damage is to clean your gutters at the end of the winter months and then again early in spring. When you remove debris and keep your gutter troughs clear, rainwater can flow freely through them the way it’s supposed to. Of course, there’s also the option of investing in gutter guards, which are designed to keep debris out of your gutters and prevent any kinds of clogs in the first place. That’s perhaps the easiest way forward, and it’s no surprise that many property owners have chosen to go that route.

Roof Damage From Winter Weather

The weather that comes your way throughout the wintertime can be tough on your roof. Whether it’s heavy snow loads, ice dams, or the constant freeze-thaw cycles that winter may bring, your roof may weaken over time. And, of course, any weak points or damage within your roofing system can then leave your property vulnerable to water damage when rainfall comes around in the spring.

That’s why it’s always smart to schedule a roof inspection and complete any necessary repairs after winter ends. That way, your roof doesn’t have those weak points that can create the threat of water damage and it instead can withstand the rainfall and storms to come in the spring and summer months.

Basement & Foundation Cracks

We’ve talked about how cracks—whether in your roof or elsewhere within your property’s foundation—can create a higher risk of water intrusion and eventual water damage. This is an especially worrisome issue when it comes to your basement. Because your basement is below ground level, water that doesn’t drain the way it’s supposed to can soon seep into the foundation of your property and your basement itself. Even the smallest cracks can lead to bigger issues, which is why basement water damage can be such a costly problem.

To reduce the risk of water damage impacting your basement, regular inspections of its walls and floors are a must. Any improvements you can make to the drainage system surrounding your property will also help, as that can make sure water that collects around the base of your home or business ultimately flows away from—and not toward—the foundation.

Plumbing Leaks & Pipe Damage

There’s no doubt that plumbing systems can be weakened or completely compromised by freezing temperatures in the winter, and unfortunately, that’s something that can often go unnoticed for a while. But over time, these pipe issues can become larger problems and lead to significant water damage throughout your property. Staying ahead of the curve on these issues is important.

That’s why, once the winter months are over, it’s always wise to schedule a routine plumbing inspection. That way, you’re getting eyes on any hidden water damage that your home or business may have suffered during the winter months and can then get a jump on any repairs that are necessary to make sure your property is prepared to handle the spring and summer weather.

Protecting Your Property From Water Damage This Spring

Whether you’re looking for expert assistance with water damage that your Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho property has incurred or you simply want to make sure you’re safe from any damage that may have occurred during the winter months, Environment Control Restoration is here to help. Contact us today to get your project started with a quote.