The “yo-yo” winter weather in the Greater Toronto Area is well-known; it can dip to -20°C one day and rise to 4°C the next. This temperature swings are a nightmare for your roofing and plumbing, even though we love the short bursts of cold.
During these months, there is a significant increase in “invisible” leak calls at NHC Restoration. Here’s what’s really going on behind your walls and how to deal with it.
The “Leakage” Reality of Winter
Frozen Pipe Bursts: Water in a pipe bursts when it freezes. Usually, it doesn’t leak while it’s frozen; the catastrophe occurs after it thaws. In February, a modest hairline break from January turns into a flooded basement.
- Frozen Pipe Bursts: Water in a pipe bursts when it freezes. Usually, it doesn’t leak while it’s frozen; the catastrophe occurs after it thaws. In February, a modest hairline break from January turns into a flooded basement.
- Ice Dams: Snow on your roof melts due to heat from the house, travels to the chilly gutters, and then refreezes. This produces a “dam” that pushes liquid water into your attic and beneath your shingles.
- Condensation and Mold: Even in the winter, inadequate insulation allows warm indoor air to strike cold surfaces (such as window frames or attic corners), creating moisture buildup that encourages the growth of mold.
The Expert Approach
Finding a puddle isn’t the only way to find a leak in the winter. It has to do with thermal imaging.
NHC Restoration uses sophisticated moisture meters and thermal cameras because it is impossible to see through walls with the unaided eye. These instruments find moisture pockets and “cold spots” without removing your drywall. In order to prevent mold from ever growing, we don’t just “patch” leaks; instead, we eliminate the moisture.
Why Restoration of NHC?
Timing is crucial in Toronto’s severe weather. We are experts at the entire winter leak lifecycle:
Quick Inspection: With non-invasive technologies.
Emergency Mitigation: Turning off the water before it damages your building.
Complete Restoration: We reconstruct your room to be better and more insulated than before, not only cure the leak.
Don’t wait till the spring thaw to discover your issue. Let’s address any issues before they become renovation projects, such as a peeling paint patch, a sudden increase in your water bill, or a damp odor.