Prime Restoration LLC, an IICRC-certified restoration company serving Utah County, has published a comprehensive winter water damage prevention checklist designed to help homeowners prepare their properties for the challenges of cold weather. The resource, now available on the company's website, addresses the specific climate conditions that contribute to frozen pipes, ice dams, and foundation damage in the region.
The newly released water damage checklist covers several key areas of home maintenance, including plumbing inspection procedures, roof and gutter care, basement protection measures, and heating system evaluations. The guide was developed based on patterns observed by the company's technicians during more than twenty years of responding to winter-related emergencies throughout Spanish Fork, Provo, Orem, Springville, and surrounding communities.
Utah County's freeze-thaw cycles present particular challenges for residential properties. When temperatures drop below freezing, water expands as it turns to ice, creating pressure that can burst pipes, crack foundations, and damage building materials. The prevention guide addresses these regional factors by providing homeowners with actionable steps to identify and address vulnerabilities before severe weather arrives.
The checklist emphasizes plumbing systems as a primary concern, noting that pipes in exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces, and garages require special attention. The guide recommends inspecting exposed pipes for wear, testing main water shut-off valves, and ensuring adequate insulation around vulnerable areas. Outdoor water systems, including garden hoses and sprinkler systems, also require winterization to prevent damage.
Roof maintenance represents another significant focus of the prevention resource. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dam formation, which forces melting snow to back up under shingles and into attic spaces. The guide advises homeowners to clean gutters thoroughly before winter weather begins and to inspect roofing materials for damage that could allow water infiltration.
Mark Harris, Owner of Prime Restoration, noted the importance of proactive home maintenance. "We've responded to countless emergency calls that could have been prevented with some preparation before winter arrives," Harris said.
The company provides water damage restoration in Provo and the surrounding areas when prevention efforts are unsuccessful. Services include water mitigation, flood damage restoration, and sewage cleanup for both residential and commercial properties. The company maintains IICRC certification and offers emergency response around the clock.
Foundation and basement protection also feature prominently in the prevention guide. The resource recommends inspecting basement walls and floors for cracks, testing sump pumps, and addressing ventilation to reduce humidity levels that can contribute to mold growth. These measures are particularly relevant given the ground conditions that develop during extended periods of freezing temperatures.
The guide includes a monthly maintenance timeline spanning November through March, providing homeowners with a structured approach to ongoing winter preparation. November tasks focus on completing initial preparations, while subsequent months emphasize monitoring for warning signs and planning for spring thaw conditions.
Emergency preparedness planning rounds out the prevention resource, encouraging homeowners to familiarize themselves with water shut-off valve locations and to keep emergency contact information readily accessible. Quick action during a pipe burst or other water emergency can significantly reduce the extent of resulting damage.
Prime Restoration serves a thirty-mile radius from its Spanish Fork location, covering communities throughout Utah County. The company handles insurance claims and provides estimates for restoration services. The winter prevention checklist is available at no cost through the company's knowledge base section on its website.
https://youtu.be/CJT5v8MzfGo?si=e-vSexyYaq1RIodv
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For more information about Prime Restoration, contact the company here:
Prime Restoration
Mark & Chad Harris
(801) 509-6899
office@primerestorers.com
2395 North 200 East Spanish Fork Utah 84660
