Warning - 5 Ways Snow Can Damage Your Property

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Warning - 5 Ways Snow Can Damage Your Property 

Once again, the UK has been battered with snow, and it seems it's not over yet as the Met Office announces the yellow snow and ice warnings are extended into the weekend. The new warnings come into play from 3 pm on Saturday until 6 am on Sunday and cover Northern England and much of Scotland. The areas covered stretch from Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Manchester and continue as far South as Birmingham.

With Thursday’s snow and winds producing an amber “risk to life” warning, homeowners are being encouraged to avoid travel where possible and to remain vigilant through to next week.

In light of the current conditions, MyJobQuote’s property expert, Thomas Goodman, is issuing a warning to homeowners on the several ways snow can cause damage to a property.

Frozen Pipes Are at Risk of Bursting

Frozen pipes can cause a huge amount of damage, so it's important to take precautions to prevent this from happening. As water freezes, it expands, and this can blow joints in the pipework or break the pipe's structure. When the water then thaws, this can cause leaks and a whole lot of mess. When the temperatures are this cold, it's important to ensure that your heating system is left to tick over at a reasonable temperature. It's also a good idea to inspect your pipework regularly to ensure it's in proper working order and that it's well-insulated.

Heavy Snowfall Can Cause Damage to The Roof

A build-up of ice and snow is actually heavier than you might think. Add this to a roof that already has some structural problems, and you could be at risk of a collapsed roof. Not only that, but a heavy build-up of snow can also pose a safety risk to pedestrians below or other structures and vehicles if the snow was to suddenly fall off the roof. Any creaking or buckling could be a sign that you need to call for professional assistance as soon as possible. Also, check for any cracks, gaps, or loose tiles where snow could enter your property. As the snow starts to melt, you could find that you end up with a huge leak of melting snow in your loft.

Your Gutters May Not Be Able to Take It

Debris and water can freeze in your guttering system, and any water or ice that comes sliding down from your roof can cause ice dams that block thawing water from escaping through your external pipework. This can then cause the snow and ice to melt in places you don't want them to. Plus, it can put extra strain and weight on your gutters, causing them to potentially crack or break. If you notice any icy build-ups in the guttering system, make sure these are cleared as soon as possible to prevent the issue from becoming any worse.

Snow Can Cause Chaos In The Garden

Snow can cause damage to your garden plants in several ways, including flattening foliage, breaking branches, and causing root damage. If you've had heavy snowfall in your garden, begin by inspecting the area for damage. Look out for flattened foliage and broken branches. Any broken branches can be removed and disposed of, and flattened foliage can be propped up with stakes or other supports. Be sure to prop them up gently and be careful not to cause any further damage to the plants by twisting or bending them too much. If the soil has become saturated with water due to melting snow, your plants may be at risk of root rot. Avoid walking on the soil, and consider adding a layer of mulch to help absorb some of the excess moisture.

Melting Snow Can Flood Your Home

Often, the worst effects of snow come when it starts to melt. Melting snow can leak into your home through tiny cracks in your foundations. This can then cause damage to your home's walls as well as flood your basement (if you have one). If there is a substantial amount of melting snow, you could find that it causes damage to your foundations, which can then impact the structural integrity of your home. This problem can get worse over time, and the repetition of thawing and freezing can cause cracks to appear in your foundations. To prevent damage from melting snow, it's important to ensure adequate drainage and seal up any cracks. Your gutter should be in good working order to direct melting snow away from your home, and you should also make sure the grade around your house slopes away so the melting snow doesn't make its way towards your property. Shovelling the snow surrounding your property is also a great way to reduce the risk of flooding.