Snow Damage in Mendota Heights MN | Types of Snowstorm Damage
When a snowstorm hits, it causes damage to homes in many different ways. Hail, ice dams, water leaks, downed power lines, and blocked exits are just some of the types of snowstorm damage that can occur. If you experience any type of storm damage to your home or property, contact a professional contractor for help with repairs. Snow Damage in Mendota Heights MN
Hail Damage
You may think hail damage is something you’re only likely to experience in the summer, but winter storms can bring this danger as well. Hail—the kind that falls from the sky during a storm and isn’t snow—can cause significant damage to your home. The most common ways that hail damages homes are by punching holes in roofs, breaking windows and siding, and damaging gutters and shingles (if you have them).
If you have any doubt about whether or not your property has been damaged by hail, it’s best to consult an expert contractor who can inspect it thoroughly for free (or for a small fee).
Ice Dams
What are ice dams? Ice dams are a form of snow or ice that builds up on the roof, usually during the spring when temperatures rise above freezing but then plummet again. The temperature change creates alternating periods of melting and refreezing, which can cause water to pool around your home’s eaves. As this moisture freezes again, it expands upward toward your roof–and into an area known as an ice dam.
The best way to prevent this problem is by maintaining good insulation in your attic so that heat doesn’t escape through it. If you’ve got older shingles with gaps between them, consider replacing them with newer ones before winter arrives. You should seal all openings with caulking or putty/sealant products. You’ll also want to keep bushes away from gutters so they don’t clog them. If yours are already getting in the way, trim them down now so they won’t become an issue later on.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are a major concern in the aftermath of snowstorms and blizzards. Water can seep through roofs, walls, ceilings, and windows. When water enters your home it can cause damage to your roof, ceiling, and walls as well as wood rot and electrical problems.
Downed Power Lines
If you see a downed power line, do not touch it. Call the power company at once and wait for them to arrive. If you come across such an incident, stay away from it and any vehicles or structures that may be near it. Do not attempt to move anything that is connected to the downed line—this can cause electrocution or fire.
If there is flooding in your area, do not attempt to drive through it unless necessary. Instead, turn around and find another way around the flooded area if possible.
Blocked Exits
You made need to clear snow from your roof. This can be done by climbing onto the roof and shoveling off as much snow as possible, or by using a long-handled broom or dustpan to sweep it away from your gutters. Either way, consider installing a gutter guard to prevent this problem in future years.
Clear snow from your gutters and downspouts so that water flows freely away from the home rather than pooling near shingles or siding. This could then freeze and expand, causing damage when ice forms on them in warmer weather. You may also need to clear out any leaves that have been collected in the gutters. If left unchecked, they can block drainage channels leading back into the home’s foundation. This can cause more substantial problems than just an accumulation of ice around doors or windows later on in wintertime!
Snow Can Damage Your Roof
Snow can damage your roof, which means that you may have to replace it sooner than you expected. Snow can damage roofing materials and weigh down the roof. It’s also possible that snow could push roofing materials into the system, causing leaks or ice damming.
Hire a Professional Contractor
If you experience snowstorm damage, contact a professional contractor to make sure your home repairs are completed safely.
Here are some things to consider when hiring a contractor:
- Make sure they have insurance. Ask to see proof of insurance and ask how much coverage it has for general liability and errors & omissions.
- Hire someone who is licensed and bonded by your state’s licensing agency. This will ensure that the contractor was properly trained in all aspects of their trade, including safety training and licensure laws before working on your home or business property.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out more information on the contractor you’re considering hiring.
Snow Damage in Mendota Heights MN
Snowstorms can be damaging to your home if you don’t take the proper precautions. If you experience any of these issues after a snowstorm, you must contact a professional contractor right away so they can provide the necessary repairs before any further damage occurs. If you’ve experienced snow damage, contact our team at Capstone Bros. Contracting in Mendota Heights, Minnesota for more information!