Worried about a leaking roof, water damage or mold this autumn? A flash flood isn’t the only cause of a water-damaged home. Routine winters or even one heavy rainfall might be all it 
takes to cause serious damage to a house. You’re especially at risk if you live in a region with severely cold winters (like Utah). Keep in mind that maintenance is much more affordable than an unexpected water damage bill.
Proper pipe insulation is still the best way to prevent a burst pipe, but also make sure you leave each faucet in your home dripping during freezing winters. If you can’t remember the last time you checked or replaced your pipe sleeves, now’s the time to get it taken care of. A burst pipe can cause damage to your roof, siding, foundation and interiors.
The Dangers of Winter
If it snows in your region, it’s critical to keep it out of the gutters and off the roof. The sheer weight of snow can cause serious damage to your roof, which is an expensive fix. Once it melts, the flood of water is a completely new threat. If you’re not up for checking and removing snow yourself, it’s smart to hire a pro (who’s insured!) at least bi-monthly to do this for you.
The spring thaw is often accompanied by heavy rains. Soil should be graded down and away from the foundation of your home, which a gardener can take care of for you. However, if you’re located in a hilly area, it’s also possible that your neighbors have graded their soil to run right onto your property. This will require expert grading at a steeper angle to avoid foundation damage.
Hidden Threats of Water
When a basement floods, it can be toxic to clean. However, sometimes the worst water damage is what we don’t see. A rotting roof or foundation and dangerous black mold are often caught too late. Unfortunately, this is the kind of damage that homeowners don’t regularly check for. Insurance companies see it time and time again: The warning signs were there, but homeowners aren’t equipped to spot them, and they put inspections, seemingly small repairs and fixes on the back burner until real damage is done.
Investing in an inspection by a contractor at the end of every summer is good preventive maintenance. A roofing, siding, landscaping and piping professional are what makes up your ultimate team. Prepping your home for winter is a must, but few people do it. Don’t risk your biggest investment — start planning now for regular checks to ensure a safe home. Call The Roof Doctor and tick “roof maintenance” off your autumn cleaning list today so you won’t have to worry about a leaky roof.