What to Watch For When the Weather Thaws

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Everyone loves when the weather warms up following frigid temperatures, but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. 

During a thawing, many problems can arise in your home and property. Here are some things to look out for during a winter thaw.

• Pipes Bursting

You won’t have to look hard for this one. When the weather warms, frozen pipes can be liable to burst. This is because ice has more volume than water, so when water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and bursts out of the pipe. 

If you do have a pipe burst, first and foremost it’s imperative to shut off the water supply. Your next step should be to call professionals. The professionals at SERVPRO can help mitigate any water damage that might have occurred, and a plumber will be necessary to fix the burst pipes. 

• Gutters

During the winter, your gutters might have accumulated debris, which could cause water to flow past the drain spouts and into the side of your home. Clear your gutters so that water can properly drain through your drainpipes and away from your home. 

• Water Seeping In

If you notice water that has gotten into your home (particularly the basement), it needs to be addressed immediately. If you want to go the DIY route, a sump pump can be used to pump out the water. The professionals at SERVPRO can also be brought in to help deal with water damage.

• Driving Safety

While driving on frozen, snowy roads can be dangerous, it can also be dangerous after it melts. Be on the lookout for slush or water on the roads. Water can cause roads to be slippery, and slush can also create dangerous conditions by impacting braking and changing lanes, while also potentially obscuring your vision while you’re driving 

Maintenance on your vehicle might also be necessary. It’s recommended that windshield wipers be changed every six months, so it might be to switch them out. Also, snow and salty roads can cause corrosion for your car, so get it washed. 

Be sure to check your brakes, tires and fluids while you’re at it. Your brakes and tires might have been damaged by driving on roads with poor conditions, and fluid levels could be low after the winter. 

• Plants and Gardens

A mid-winter thaw can be dangerous for plants and gardens, as they can begin sprouting too early. While there’s not a lot you can do to prevent this, you can protect especially fragile plants by covering them with snow or mulch. Also, you can protect your plants and garden by avoiding walking over them as much as possible. Wearing snowshoes in the winter can spread your weight out and prevent damage.