Take 10 minutes and check these two things

‍It’s that time of year again: 30 degrees one day, 68 the next.

Aside from making it harder to predict how many layers I’ll need to put on in the morning, freeze-thaw cycles like this can also be hard on your home.

Freeze-thaw cycles take all the typical hazards that come with excess moisture (like water damage and mold) and introduce another problem to the mix: moisture expands when it freezes, then contracts when it melts again.

This cycle of expanding and contracting that happens when the temperatures swing can cause significant damage over time, particularly when unaddressed:

👉 Moisture can seep into the cracks of your foundation, expand, and crack the bedrock of your home

👉 Water can freeze in your home’s plumbing, causing pipes to burst as the temperatures drop

👉 Ice dams can form in your gutters, trapping moisture and creating conditions for mold

Check these two key areas during freeze-thaw cycles to prevent sneaky damage to your home this winter:

✅ Basement and garage

Do you notice any moisture in your basement or along the walls near your home’s foundation? Be sure to check corners and areas that may not get much airflow due to stacked or stored items.

✅ Roof and gutters

Are there sections where water may be pooling and freezing in your gutters? Over time, ice can put unnecessary strain on your gutters, damaging your fascia and allowing water into your home.

Stay warm (or cool, depending on the day), 

Stephen

–

Stephen Simmons

Owner | Umpire Mitigation

Call or text us 24/7 at 703-665-1129

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