It’s a lovely winter’s day when you spot a small puddle indoors and wipe it up. Then there’s a ceiling stain that barely shows in the lamplight, so you let that go too. But then, there’s a corner of the flooring that starts to lift and warp. Next thing you know, there is a musty smell by the baseboard.
Nothing too dramatic, but it’s the middle of winter, so you wonder: why now?
That’s because it’s freeze-thaw season, and it tends to open up minor gaps in roofs, siding, and foundations, letting moisture in and do its thing. It’s a form of water damage in Pittsburgh that appears later than expected.
Why Free-Thaw Cycles Create Delayed Damage | Water Damage in Pittsburgh
Water, or moisture, doesn’t need wider openings to seep into your home. It’s smarter when combined with the cold force of nature.
When temperatures get low, the moisture trapped in small cracks freezes and expands. That pries materials and seals apart. With slightly warmer daytime winter temps, the moisture melts and seeps indoors – into the walls, floors, and framing.
Think of your home like a big sponge in the winter. After repeated cycles, your indoors still look dry because of the heating, but the dampness is spreading out of sight.
Also Read: The Impact of Water Damage on Home Resale Value
Sneaky Spots Where Water Shows Up First
You can check your home right now to confirm any signs of freeze-thaw intrusion. First, check the attic edges and ceiling corners, where ice-melt can refreeze and let water seep in through stressed materials.
Then check the windows and sill plate for stains and mushy, soft trims due to minor gaps. Next up are the basement walls and floor joints, which can hide a lot of damp – look for chalky residue to confirm.
Finally, look behind the baseboards and underflooring, because that’s where water can wick and spread before you even notice.
‘It Looks Dry’ Doesn’t Mean It’s Dry | Water Damage in Pittsburgh
With indoor heating, surfaces look dry and trim, so it’s hard to tell if there is damp behind them. These layers can hold and hide moisture, breeding mold, and smells that will come out by springtime. And it’s hard to have any visible warnings until then.
That’s why water damage in Pittsburgh, especially the freeze-thaw kind, tends to surprise homeowners. So, if you notice a return of musty smells, an irritated throat, or materials warping as we head into late winter, treat it as a moisture issue, not a comfort one.
What Can You Do Before Calling For Professional Help
If there is a visible source of the leak or moisture intrusion, try to stem it. If the damp is near electrical outlets, set up a safety zone around them to avoid electrocution incidents.
Remove any rugs, carpets, and other porous materials from the wet zone to limit wicking. Then, take clear photos of the spreading damage for documentation.
If it’s safe, turn the fans on and open interior doors to increase air flow and drying. Don’t rip out materials or crank up the heat – there is a chance the water could be mold-contaminated, and the HVAC or furnace could vent the vapors into the rest of the house.
Start With A Water Damage Inspection From Pros You Trust
With damage as strange as freeze-thaw, you need a plan over guesswork. That’s where ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh comes in. We’re based in Oakmont and our teams have consistently served Western PA since 1955, with 50+ full-time employees and a 24/7/365 ‘problem-solvers’ mindset.
For fast, thorough restoration help with water damage in Pittsburgh, let our team start with an inspection and documentation.
Call 412-826-1010 to schedule prompt service.