Staying Safe This Winter: Protecting Your Home from Cold-Weather Threats

Winter is here in Pittsburgh, and that means your home needs extra care. The mix of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause real problems for homeowners. At The Restoration Team, we help people fix winter damage every day. The biggest threats to your home are frozen pipes that burst, mold that grows in damp places, and fires from heating your home.

Why Winter Can Damage Your Home

Winter brings three big problems that can hurt your home and cost you money:

1. Water Damage

When pipes freeze, they can burst and flood your home. This often happens in basements or rooms with outside walls. Even a small crack in a frozen pipe can spray hundreds of gallons of water into your home. Ice dams on your roof can also force water under your shingles and into your walls.

2. Mold Problems

When we keep our homes closed up all winter to stay warm, moisture gets trapped inside. This happens most in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The trapped moisture can lead to mold, which is bad for your health and your home.

3. Fire Dangers

Winter means we use more things that can cause fires: space heaters, fireplaces, and even holiday decorations. Many winter house fires start because heaters are too close to furniture or curtains.

How We Fix Water Damage Better

When water damages your home, many companies will tear out walls and floors to dry things up. But in many cases, we can do things differently. We use special equipment that dries your home without breaking anything.

Our method is called “dry-in-place” technology.

Here’s how it works:

• Special machines heat the wet areas of your home
• The water turns to vapor
• Other machines catch the vapor and remove it
• Nothing gets torn apart
• Your home dries faster

Think of it like drying your clothes. You could lay them out and wait, or you could use a dryer that uses heat and air movement to dry them quickly. Our system works the same way, but for your whole house.

To do this, we need lots of power—more than regular wall outlets can give. That’s why we created our own special power system. Regular outlets in your home are like small streams, but our equipment needs a river’s worth of power. Our power system safely provides this without any risk to your home’s wiring.

This means:

• Your home’s electrical system stays safe
• Our machines run non-stop until everything is dry
• You save money because we don’t have to rebuild anything
• The whole process is faster
• You can usually stay in your home while we work

Simple Ways to Protect Your Home

Stop Water Damage

• Keep your heat on at least 55°F, even if you go away
• Cover pipes in cold spaces with foam tubes (you can buy these at any hardware store)
• Clean out your gutters before the first snow
• Fix drips and leaks right away
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on very cold nights
• Let cold water drip from faucets when temperatures drop below freezing

Prevent Mold

• Keep indoor air from getting too damp (use a humidity meter—they cost about $10)
• Use fans in bathrooms and kitchens when cooking or showering
• Check basements and attics often for damp spots
• Fix any water leaks quickly
• Look for water stains on ceilings and walls
• Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside properly

Avoid Fires

• Get your heater checked every year by a professional
• Keep things at least 3 feet away from space heaters
• Clean your chimney before winter starts
• Test smoke alarms every month (pick a date you’ll remember, like the first of the month)
• Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home
• Never leave candles burning when you go to bed
• Check holiday light strings for damage before using them

Expert Help When You Need It

Sometimes problems happen even when you’re careful. That’s why we’re ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team helps homeowners throughout Pittsburgh, from Mount Lebanon to Monroeville, and all across Westmoreland County.

Our experts know how to:

• Stop water damage fast
• Get rid of mold safely
• Fix fire damage
• Use advanced equipment to save your home
• Work with your insurance company

When you call us, you get more than just regular repair work. Our special drying system means we can fix your home faster and with less mess than other companies. Many of our customers are surprised to learn they won’t need major repairs after water damage—our dry-in-place system often saves their walls, floors, and belongings.

Real Stories from Your Neighbors

Last winter, we helped a family in Fox Chapel whose pipes froze while they were on vacation. Instead of tearing out their walls and hardwood floors, we used our dry-in-place system to save everything. They were back home in just a few days.

In another case, a homeowner in Murrysville discovered mold in their basement after heavy snow melted around their foundation. Our team not only removed the mold but also fixed the water problem that caused it, preventing future issues.

Get Ready for Winter Now

You can’t control winter weather, but you can be ready for it. We’ve written a complete guide to help you protect your home. It’s called “The Ultimate Winter Home Protection Guide,” and it’s free.

The guide includes:

• Checklists for fall preparation
• Monthly maintenance tasks
• Emergency supply lists
• Signs of winter damage to watch for
• Tips for choosing the right contractors

Download our guide today  to learn more ways to keep your home safe. If you ever need help, call The Restoration Team at  (412) 201-0226 . Visit TRT412.com to see why we have perfect ratings from our customers.

Remember, prevention is always cheaper than repairs. Get your home ready for winter today, and you’ll sleep better knowing you’re prepared for whatever the season brings.

Need immediate help? We’re available 24/7 for emergencies, and we’ll respond within 60 minutes or less. Trust The Restoration Team to protect your home this winter.