The Most Common Water Damage Causes And How To Prevent It This Winter

Winter can be frigid and cold in many places around the country. Unfortunately, winter also brings a load of problems with it – especially when it comes to the possibility of suffering extensive water damage. Luckily, there are ways to prevent water damage from happening. Here are the most common water damage causes and how you can prevent it this winter.

1. Burst Pipes

Extremely low temperatures can wreak havoc on your pipes. The cold water causes your pipes to contract. If your pipe is unable to withhold all the water pressure inside of it, it can cause the pipe to burst – leading to water damage. If your pipes burst, they can cause water to flow into your home, leading to floods and damage to your floors, ceilings, walls, wiring and other structural components.

How To Prevent It: The best way to prevent the possibility of dealing with your pipes bursting is to insulate them. You can cover any exposed pipes with foam insulation.

2. Blocked Gutters

When your gutters become clogged, water is unable to properly divert away from the house. Instead, the water spills over the side of your gutters, causing a number of different problems like foundation damage, mold and mildew, structural issues, and more. Clogged and blocked gutters can also cause water leaks on the inside of your home. Water damage inside your home can be extremely costly, damaging, and inconvenient – to say the least.

How To Prevent It: Clean your gutters regularly. If you are unsure about cleaning them yourself, hire a professional that has the expertise, tools and equipment to effectively clear your gutters from any clogs or blockages.

3. Outside Water Sources

If you live in a climate where snow is likely to fall in the winter, then it’s important you take preventative measures with your exterior water sources. By leaving your outdoor hoses buried under the snow this winter, you could find yourself dealing with water freezing inside of them and expanding. Remember to remove all outdoor hoses from your yard in those freezing cold temperatures to avoid significant water damage.

How To Prevent It: When you remove your outdoor hoses, drain them and store them somewhere warm for the winter. Also remember to shut off valves that supply water to the outdoors.

Need Water Damage Restoration? Contact The Experts At RestoPros In Richardson, Texas and Surrounding Areas!

Sometimes, no matter how many preventative measures you take, water damage can still be inevitable. In the event that your home has water damage, RestoPros is here to help. We offer the following water damage restoration services:

• Water extraction
• Thorough structure drying
• Rapid emergency response
• Inventory storage and processing
• Warranty protection to all of our customers

Whether you need emergency water damage repair, or need to restore a home that has been flooded, call the pros at RestoPros. We can be reached at 855-587-3786 or you can contact us online here.

What Is Christmas Tree Syndrome And How Can You Prevent It?

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree…

While the holidays are usually an exciting, cheerful time spent with family, there’s nothing like Christmas tree syndrome to put the “bah humbug” in your holiday festivities. If you have symptoms such as itchy, sore or watery eyes, a blocked or runny nose, or a persistent cough or wheeze, you may have a cold or the flu – or you may have Christmas tree syndrome.

 What is Christmas Tree Syndrome?

Christmas tree syndrome is an allergic reaction to mold spores that hang around live trees. According to one study, approximately 7% of the general population with allergies suffers from Christmas tree allergies. In another study, researchers examined 23 samples of bark and pine needles from Christmas trees. They ended up identifying 53 different kinds of mold growing on them!

If you notice that you or someone in your household has started to show signs of feeling ill since putting up your Christmas tree, this could be due to having Christmas tree syndrome.

How To Prevent Christmas Tree Syndrome

Luckily, there are ways to prevent Christmas tree syndrome from taking over your home and ruining your holidays.

1. Clean The Tree

Before you bring your live Christmas tree into the house, make sure to clean it thoroughly before bringing it inside. Use a leaf blower to blow off all the pollen and mold spores outside. Then, spray with a bleach and water solution. Once you’ve done this, make sure to spray it off with water and let it dry. Remember, mold thrives in moist conditions, so you don’t want to bring a wet tree inside.

2. Limit The Time Your Tree Is Inside

This isn’t something we want to do, but in order to avoid Christmas tree syndrome, sometimes it’s what’s best. Consider getting your tree later than you usually would – or taking it down right after Christmas to limit your exposure.

3. Consider Cutting The Tree Yourself

Many places have the “u-cut” option. By cutting the tree down yourself, you are limiting your chances of mold. This is because pre-cut trees often go through storage and transportation practices in dark and humid climates that are a breeding ground for mold.

4. Get an Artificial Tree Instead

Getting an artificial tree is another option. However, even with artificial trees, you should be careful. They can be prone to mold growth, too, if stored improperly in your attic or basement.

Wondering If You Might Have Christmas Tree Syndrome? Contact The Pros At RestoPros In Dallas, TX And Surrounding Areas!

If you need mold remediation and/or testing services, RestoPros is the one to call! Sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take, mold can still grow. If you find that mold has made its way inside your home this holiday season, don’t hesitate to call on us! We can be reached at 855-587-3786 or online here.