An average of three feet of snow falls every year in Chicago and northern Illinois. While it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed, sometimes its damaging effects on buildings and homes are overlooked. When snow or ice accumulates, it can really wreak havoc. It’s critical for both Illinois business owners and homeowners to understand the damage snow can cause and how to prevent it.

The damage snow and ice can cause

The weight of accumulated snow can cause structural damage. When that snow melts, it can cause water damage to the roof and interior of a building or home. If there are cracks or gaps in the roof or walls, the runoff can leak and damage the roof, interior woodwork, and walls. And if left unaddressed, mold can grow.

• Roof problems – Roofs are strong enough to withstand substantial weight, but the amount that accumulated snow can weigh is often underestimated. Roof collapse or leaks into your ceiling or attic are major problems that cost a lot of money to fix.
• Water leaks – Once the snow melts, it can creep into windows and doors through cracks and crevices, causing damage to the interior and risking mold development.
• Ice dams in gutters – When gutters collect water and freeze from low temperatures, it can expand right along the seam of the roof which can cause leaks. Later on, mold can develop if the issue isn’t addressed right away.
• Pooling water around the home/building – When soil freezes, it prevents absorption from melted snow. This can allow water to form pools near the foundation of your building or home and potentially cause flooding or water damage.

How to prevent water damage from snow

Preventing water damage is an important component in protecting your home or business during the winter. Taking the necessary precautions could save you money from costly repairs and avoid risks to safety and health.

• Inspect walls and foundation – Professionals will look for any cracks or gaps in the foundation and walls. If they find any, they can seal them using hydraulic cement or masonry caulk to seal any cracks to prevent water from penetrating.
• Inspect roof – Have your roof inspected before the winter months in order to pinpoint any faults and schedule repairs in time.
  Correct sloping – If water is pooling near your foundation, you will need to correct the slope of your yard to prevent the water from causing structural damage.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clean – Make sure to get rid of leaves and any other debris so that melted snow and ice can freely runoff from the roof and away from the building or house, and so that ice dams don’t form. It’s best to do this before winter starts.
• Have snow on the roof cleared – if accumulation develops on the roof, it’s necessary to frequently clear it off so that you don’t need to remove a large amount all at once.

What to do if your home or business is damaged

If you identify damage to your home or business caused by snow or water, it’s best to not delay addressing these issues; contact professionals right away for restoration service. Waiting can allow damage to spread and water damage will invite the growth of mold.

• Roof repair or replacement – If you end up needing to replace the entire roof, be sure to opt for a top-performing, highly rated brand to ensure you don’t run into problems again later.
• Restoration from water damage – Depending on the gravity of the damage, this could involve emergency water extraction, drying, dehumidifying, cleanup, and deodorizing.
• Mold removal and remediation – Mold has the potential to cause serious health problems. Professionals will have the equipment and training to remediate mold problems so that the health of the inhabitants of your building or home is not compromised.
• Structural repair and construction – Extensive damage may require structural repair to ensure the integrity and safety of the building or home.

If your home or business has been damaged due to snow and ice this winter, McMahon Services has professional technicians available 24/7 to help with your restoration needs. Whether it’s an issue with your roof, water damage, or mold, we’ve got you covered. We proudly serve residential and commercial customers in the areas of Chicago, Arlington Heights, Berwyn, Des Plaines, Evanston, Mount Prospect, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, Oak Park, Palatine, Wheaton, Naperville, Waukegan, Schaumburg, and Skokie. Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate!