Discover the top reasons mountain homes suffer water damage and learn practical Summit County, CO water damage restoration and prevention tips to protect your property year-round.

Mountain homes offer breathtaking views and peaceful retreats, but the unique weather that is common in the Summit County, Co. area can also lead to costly water damage. Whether it’s from snow, ice, or the intense seasonal changes, mountain homes can face water damage risks that require extra attention. This blog will explore the top causes of water damage in mountain homes with prevention tips to protect your property.

Frozen Pipes are a Common Winter Worry in the High Country

Cold temperatures can freeze water inside pipes, causing them to burst and flood your home.

Signs of Trouble

Low water pressure, frost around pipes, or strange noises in the pipes.

Prevention Tips

• Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Keep a steady trickle of water flowing during extremely cold spells, and open cabinet doors under sinks to let heat in.

Roof Leaks from Heavy Snowfall and Ice Dams

Accumulated snow and ice can cause ice dams, which prevent proper drainage and lead to leaks inside homes.

Signs of Trouble 

Stains on the ceiling, soggy insulation, or wet spots in the attic.

Prevention Tips

• Ensure proper insulation and ventilation to prevent ice dams.
• Clean gutters regularly to ensure water flows freely and snow melts properly- a must in the fall to remove leaves and debris. 
• Install heated cables along the roofline to help prevent ice and snow buildup.
• Use a roof rake to regularly clean heavy snow from the rooftop. Explore this link from Better Homes & Gardens about the importance of roof rakes, how to use them and when.

Poorly Sealed Windows and Doors

Gaps or worn-out seals around windows and doors can let moisture and condensation into your home, especially during snowstorms or rain.

Signs of Trouble

Condensation on windows, drafts, or dampness around windowsills.

Prevention Tips

• Regularly inspect and replace weatherstripping on windows and doors.
• Caulk around windows and doors to seal any gaps.
• Use storm windows or plastic window film for extra protection during winter months.

Flooding from Melting Snow and Spring Thaw

Snowmelt combined with spring rains can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flooding.

Signs of Trouble

Wet carpets, standing water, or musty odors in your home.

Prevention Tips

• Ensure proper landscaping and grading around your home to direct water away from the foundation.
• Install sump pumps to prevent water from accumulating in the basement and crawl space.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear to ensure proper water flow.

Foundation Cracks Allowing Water In

The freeze-thaw cycle can cause soil movement that puts pressure on your foundation, leading to cracks and water infiltration.

Signs of Trouble

Visible cracks in walls or floors, especially after a freeze-thaw event.

Prevention Tips

• Inspect your foundation regularly and seal any visible cracks with water-resistant sealants.
• Maintain proper drainage around your home to reduce soil movement.
• Monitor the landscape for changes in elevation that may lead to water pooling near the foundation.

Overflowing or Clogged Drains

Clogged outdoor drains from leaves, debris, or ice buildup can prevent proper drainage, leading to water overflow and backups inside your home.

Signs of Trouble 

Standing water in sinks, bathtubs, or toilets, and slow-draining pipes.

Prevention Tips

• Regularly clean and clear out drains, gutters, and downspouts.
• Install drain covers to prevent debris from clogging pipes.
• Inspect and maintain any sump pumps or drain pumps to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Water damage in mountain homes is a significant concern in the cold winter months. With proactive measure you can minimize the risks. Regular inspections and maintenance, such as winterizing plumbing, ensuring proper insulation, and monitoring for leaks, can go a long way in protecting your property. If you’re unsure about handling these tasks give our sister company Exclusive Cleaning Summit a call! Our experienced inspection team can spot areas of trouble and recommend proper preventative maintenance. We provide peace of mind and ensure your mountain home remains safe, dry, and an enjoyable retreat.

Exclusive Cleaning is here to help!

Keep our number handy if the unthinkable happens and water damage occurs in your home. Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration offers immediate assistance when water damage happens, focusing on water extraction and further damage mitigation.

Don’t wait until water damage becomes a costly problem—take action now and give Exclusive Cleaning a call today for a complete home inspection to safeguard your mountain home from costly winter weather damage.

The post Top Causes of Water Damage in Mountain Homes and Preventative Tips appeared first on Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration.

Protect Your Home: Essential Checklist to Prevent Water Damage and Flooding

Water damage poses a significant threat to homes, with approximately 14,000 Americans facing water damage emergencies each day, as reported by the American Insurance Association.

Whether it’s a burst pipe, heavy rains, or plumbing issues, taking preventive measures is crucial to safeguard your property. Follow this water damage prevention checklist to protect your home and prevent potential water-related disasters:

Regularly Inspect Your Roof

A study by the National Roofing Contractors Association revealed that proper roof maintenance can extend its lifespan by 50%. Regular inspection and timely repairs prevent water seepage during heavy rainfall or snowfall.

Check for missing or damaged shingles, as well as signs of wear and tear. Repair any issues promptly to prevent water seepage during rain or snow.

 

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

According to FEMA, clogged gutters cause water to overflow, leading to potential foundation damage. 

Keep gutters free of debris such as leaves and branches. Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation, preventing water buildup near the house.

 

Check and Seal Windows and Doors

The U.S. Department of Energy states that sealing air leaks can save homeowners up to 10% on total annual energy costs. Properly sealing gaps prevents water intrusion during storms or heavy winds.

 

Inspect Plumbing System

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that fixing leaks can save homeowners around 10% on their water bills. 

Regularly check for leaks, drips, or signs of moisture around pipes, faucets, and appliances. Repair any leaks immediately to avoid potential water damage.

 

Install a Sump Pump

Consider installing a sump pump in the basement or low-lying areas prone to flooding. It helps remove excess water, minimizing potential damage during heavy rainfall.

 

Elevate Electrical Systems

If possible, elevate electrical outlets, switches, and wiring in basements or flood-prone areas to reduce the risk of electrical hazards in case of flooding.

 

Landscaping and Grading

Ensure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to divert water flow. Proper landscaping and grading can prevent water from pooling near the house.

 

Inspect and Maintain Appliances

Did you know that appliance-related leaks account for a significant percentage of home water damage claims?

Regularly inspect and maintain appliances to prevent potential leaks.Regularly check hoses, connections, and seals on washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Replace old or damaged hoses to prevent leaks.

 

Know Your Water Shut-Off Valve

Familiarize yourself with the location of the main water shut-off valve. In case of emergencies like burst pipes, shutting off the water quickly can minimize damage.

 

Regular Maintenance Checks

Conduct routine inspections of your home’s exterior, interior, and drainage systems to catch potential issues early and address them promptly.

As we navigate the mid-winter season, it’s crucial to keep property damage prevention at the forefront of our minds. Water damage can strike suddenly and dramatically, prompted by anything from a simple frozen water pipe to more devastating circumstances.

At Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration, we understand the urgency of these situations. That’s why we’re committed to providing immediate assistance for all your water damage needs across Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Blue River, Keystone & Copper Mountain. Our focus is on rapid water extraction and efficient drying out of your home to prevent secondary damage. Stay ahead of the curve this winter with our professional help and valuable tips to safeguard your property against potential water damage.

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They say that prevention is the best cure and water damage isn’t an exception. While accidents do occur and there are many possible unexpected scenarios, Bighorn Rentals warns it’s essential that you conduct proper preventive maintenance to really minimize the risks of water damage.

In this article you’ll learn about ten different ways you can prevent water from creating serious damage in your rental property.

1.    Repair the roof

Homeowners don’t really focus on the roof issues before it’s too late. You shouldn’t wait for any brown spots or discoloration to appear on the property’s ceiling. By then it’s already too late.

A better approach is to annually check your roof. In the case of any damaged or outright missing shingles, you should get the repairs done immediately. This is a sure way to keep the water from entering the rooms, at least from the ceiling.

2. Clean the floor drains

Many people overlook their floor drains. Actually, these areas are notorious for the accumulation of dust, hair, and other potentially obstructive matter. The best policy is to clean the drains at least once a week or every two weeks. Doing it less often might expose the property to water hazards.

3. Extend the downspouts

The gutter downspouts should extend as far away from the property as possible. The efficiency of a drainage system lies in its ability to stop water from accumulating directly around the house.

When the downspouts are enabling the collection of rainwater around the building, then you haven’t got an effective drainage solution.

Furthermore, the extent isn’t the only important matter here. Any broken parts of the whole drainage system should be quickly replaced. Otherwise, you are allowing the risk of water damage to climb upwards.

4.  Clean the gutters

Another annual cleaning that you should do is gutter cleaning. This is a great way to lessen the risk of having any unnecessary water entering your property. The rain gutters are notorious for getting clogged with bits of vegetation and debris.

Also, rainwater might dislodge material that accumulates inside the gutters. Always make sure the gutters are properly angled. Otherwise, the water might start to pool around the property, creating significant damage to the house’s structural integrity.

5. Seal the cracks

Cracks in the foundation and the walls may raise the risk of water damage. When the water starts seeping into these cracks, the whole foundation of the house may get compromised. Sometimes bigger cracks may indicate major problems that need the attention of a structural engineer.

6.    Install a moisture sensor

Sometimes a smart moisture sensor can save your property from extensive water damage. The problem with water damage is that it’s not always a clear emergency. There are times when water is gradually seeping in and slowly destroying some parts of the house.

That’s why it’s useful to use gadgets like a moisture sensor. You should install it in the areas prone to water damage. For example, you could put it in the crawl space or under the sink. If the device is connected to the Wi-Fi, you’ll immediately get a notification of a moisture level getting out of control. The initial investment could save you a fortune.

7.   Check your sump pump

Are you noticing excess moisture and water in your crawl space or basement rooms? Sump pumps work to keep these spaces clear of any water that has started to pile up in the sump pit. You should regularly keep an eye on this pump to ensure that the water hasn’t started to damage the building from underneath.

8. Screen the tenants

You might be thinking, what does this have to do with water damage? Well, tenants with certain backgrounds might be at a higher risk for creating any damage, including water-related causes.

Make sure that the tenants haven’t been evicted in the past. Failure to pay the rent might indicate that they could be negligent towards the property as well. When your potential tenants show up drunk or under the influence of any drugs, then steer clear. Having frequent alcohol-fueled parties raises the risk of water damage significantly because it shows that they do not care for the rental property.

9. Check the window seals

Improperly sealed windows aren’t just a nuisance, they could create long-term problems with water damage. Moisture and water can easily enter the rooms from windows that have worn-out seals.

Also, noticing any cracks around the windows should alert you enough to get them fixed as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the summer to end because even the first big rainstorm could create a lot of damage.

10.   Create a slope in the yard

In the case of a violent rainstorm, water can quickly accumulate on level ground and start to endanger the property. Grading the surrounding yard in a downward fashion lets the rainwater flow away from the building.

There are many practical steps that you can take to prevent water from damaging your rental property. Clean the floor drains and rain gutters, seal any cracks, check the sump pump and the window seals while ensuring the yard is properly graded.

If anything needs repair work, then take the proper steps immediately. Any postponing of these repairs could be interpreted as neglect if you have a tenant living inside the property while there’s a water emergency creating damage inside the house. Also, having a moisture sensor installed in areas prone to water damage is a useful way to protect the rental property from serious damage.

If water damage happens to you, call 970.668.1600 for fast restoration service.

The post Top 10 Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Rental Property appeared first on Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration.

Spring has sprung in the high country. After months of around-the-clock freezing temps, we all relish this time of year, enjoying warmer daytimes while still being able to enjoy snow sports. However, the spring cycle of daytime warmth with overnight freezing can wreak havoc on one of the most important parts of our homes- the roof! Roof leaks are most likely to occur this time of year when the snow sitting on the rooftop begins to melt.

We’ve created a helpful list of the steps to take when a roof leak is spotted:

Step 1. Contain the leak

If the leak is not too large, place buckets and pots under the stream or drip to prevent and minimize spread.

Step 2. Remove the source of the leak

Call someone who specializes in snow roof removal to remove ice dams and snow sitting on the roof.

Step 3. Dry all Exposed Materials

Once the leak is under control, all carpet, furniture, woodwork and anything else that was exposed to water needs to be thoroughly dried. Not only will water leave a stain, but mostly, you must prevent mold from growing in your home. If the carpet is soaked, pull it away from the padding and expose both sides of the rug and the pad to briskly circulating air. If the damage is extensive, call a professional water extraction company.

Step 4. Roof Inspection

Have a roofing contractor inspect your roof to see if repairs need to be made.

How We Can Help

We can provide all the assistance you need for step #3:
Water damage restoration: Water extraction from drywall and carpet to prevent further damage.
Upholstery and carpet cleaning: Removal of dirt and water stains and drying.
Mold removal: Water extraction and mold remediation.
Hardwood refinishing: Water extraction and hardwood finish.

There is nothing fun about roof leaks! Take away some of the stress by calling one company who can take care of multiple services – Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration. 970.668.1600

The post What to Do when your Roof is Leaking appeared first on Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration.

While others are out celebrating winter weather and the accumulating snow fall, a few unlucky mountain residents may be dealing with winter weather infiltrating their home. In harsh winter climates, like Summit County, Colorado, flood damage is most likely to occur because of a frozen or burst pipe.

Once water damage happens, there is no time to waste. Water damage acts quickly, and will ruin property in short periods of time, if left unmanaged. The sooner the water is extracted and the property is dried out, the lower the risk of dangerous mold growth.

Here are 3 things you need to know about water damage.

Don’t Wait.

Call a local 24/7 water damage and restoration professional as soon as you notice any signs of water damage. The longer you wait, the more damage and the higher the costs of restoration.

Turn off the Electricity.

This one may seem obvious, but it’s imperative to restrict any power or electricity to a water damage or flood effected area.

Call a Professional.

Flooding and restoration professionals can quickly assess levels of moisture, in both visible and non-visible areas, while also assessing the area for mold growth. Local professionals also have the skills, experience, and equipment necessary to extract, remove, and restore your property.

The certified technicians at Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration can help. Give us a call 24/7 and we’ll help assess damage over the phone and be on site as soon as possible.

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