Warning Signs in Your Home After a Winter Storm

Winter storms are harrowing experiences, especially when they cause long-lasting power outages. The damage they cause inside the home often doesn’t appear until days later, however. Melting snow and rising temperatures can bring to light structural problems and beyond. Minding these warning signs in your home after a winter storm can play a vital role in keeping you and your family safe.

Ceiling Damage

The first place you want to look after a winter storm is up. Check your ceilings for any signs of bubbles, cracks, or dripping water. Older homes are especially at risk of ceiling damage after a significant storm. The weight of snow and ice on the roof can affect the structure of the home, while the melted water can seep into the home. If you live in a multi-floor building, ceiling damage on the lower level could also be a sign of broken pipes in the home.

Wet Carpets

Wet carpets are a shock to find after a storm, but they’re necessary to check for. Pat the carpeting near the walls of the room and feel for any damp spots. Closets and rooms near bathrooms are especially important to check. Burst pipes can lead to flooding, and if they’re causing damage between the walls of the home or even in an attached unit, the water may leak into your room and soak the carpet.

Mold

Water damage creates structural concerns in your home, but it can also create a health risk for you and your family. People who suffer from allergies or asthma are especially vulnerable to respiratory issues caused by mold, although anyone who lives in a moldy environment for too long is susceptible to irritation and issues caused by the fungi. Once the heat returns to your home, objects can become damp in the new humidity and create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold can appear in strange places, so thoroughly inspect all areas of your home for signs of growth in the days following the storm.

Checking for these three warning signs in your home after a winter storm lets you rule out water damage or stop it in its tracks. If you do discover any signs of rogue water or developing mold in your home, it’s best to immediately reach out to a team of professionals who can come in, inspect the damage, and let you know the best plan of action for keeping you and your family safe.