Follow us on Facebook
Once winter hits Boston, the cold is only part of the problem. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain can sneak through small cracks and gaps, bringing with them something that’s often overlooked — moisture. When moisture meets network equipment, things can take a turn for the worse fast. For businesses, this is especially risky when it comes to data cabling. These cables run through walls, ceilings, and even underground spaces, all places that can easily trap cold moisture or condensation. If even a small amount of that moisture seeps into your cabling infrastructure, there’s a real chance of disruption.
Moisture damage might not be as obvious as a broken wire, but it can quietly impact how well your network runs. Over time, it can lead to corrosion, signal drops, slower data transfer, or worse — complete failure. If your business relies on strong network connectivity to run systems like security cameras, point-of-sale stations, or voice and data services, keeping your cables dry is a bigger deal than you might think. Let’s take a closer look at what winter moisture means for your cabling and how you can stay ahead of it.
Recognizing Winter Moisture Risks
Boston winters come with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and quick thaws that send slush and water into unexpected places. Inside a commercial building, that moisture finds its way into crawlspaces, basements, and wall cavities. Even a minor roof leak or poor insulation around cable entry points can let cold air and water in. Once that happens, the warmth from the building meets the cold air, condensation forms, and cables take the hit.
The most common sources of moisture that can affect data cabling include:
– Melting snow leaking through minor roof damage
– Fluctuations in indoor and outdoor temperatures causing condensation
– Unsealed wall openings around cable exits or entrances
– Poor ventilation in attics or crawlspaces where cables run
– Ground-level cable runs exposed to wet soil or ice buildup
When moisture collects around the cables, especially if it stays there for long stretches, the damage begins slowly. Insulation jackets around the cables may weaken over time. If any cuts or nicks already exist along the cable line, water jumps in and speeds up corrosion. Now signal strength gets weaker, and error messages can start popping up out of nowhere. In some situations, data loss or short circuits could impact more than just the network — it could catch the entire system off guard.
An example: A local retail store in Boston had no idea their basement cabling was exposed to slow water leaks from snow melt. Network issues started cropping up, but no one thought to check the cables. It wasn’t until data interruptions became regular and a full-on outage occurred that waterlogged cables were found and had to be torn out and replaced.
Being aware of where the risks lie gives you a head start. You can’t stop the snow or the cold, but you can control how well your cables handle them.
Preventative Measures for Moisture Damage
If you want to keep winter moisture from getting to your data cabling, you’ll want to start with smart choices before a problem shows up. Luckily, there are some simple but important steps that can make a big difference.
1. Add insulation around cable paths
Don’t let warm air meet cold surfaces along your cable runs. Use closed-cell foam or insulated conduit to block condensation from forming. This is especially helpful in attics, storage rooms, and unfinished basements.
2. Route cables away from high-moisture zones
Try to avoid running cables through areas that are known to stay cooler and damper like exterior walls, near HVAC units, plumbing lines, or under windows.
3. Seal all wall entry points
Where a cable enters or exits a building, gaps can let in moisture. Use weatherproof sealant or rubber grommets to close those openings up tight.
4. Elevate cables when possible
In ground-floor setups, avoid placing cables on floors where flood water or melting ice can pool. Use cable trays or conduit running along ceilings or walls instead.
5. Use desiccants for enclosed cabinets
If you have network gear or patch panels in enclosed areas like closets or server cabinets, throw in a few moisture-absorbing packets. These help reduce humidity and protect sensitive connections.
Every step you take now helps avoid big network repairs under pressure later on. Even if things seem dry at the surface, it only takes one cold snap and a little bit of thawing for moisture to sneak in. That’s why planning ahead and checking often can go a long way, especially here in New England.
Choosing the Right Materials for Winter Conditions
Not all data cables are built the same, especially when they’re expected to handle tough weather like Boston winters. Choosing the right materials for your cabling setup plays a big part in how well your network holds up once snow and icy air roll in.
Start with jacketed cables made to handle weather-related stress. Look for insulation material rated for cold weather, which resists cracking or splitting when temperatures dip. Indoor cables are usually thin and flexible, but not all of them can take moisture without problems. Even in dry-looking locations, humidity is enough to cause long-term issues if the cable isn’t made to deal with it.
On top of that, waterproof conduits give your cabling added defense. These enclosures create a sturdy shell so even when water runs near your cable pathways, it stays out. For areas like parking garages, exterior walls, loading docks, or utility hallways, weather-sealed boxes and conduits make a big difference in protecting connections.
Here’s what to keep in mind when picking materials that hold up in winter:
– Use UV-resistant cables for outdoor areas exposed to sunlight along with cold moisture
– Pick PE (polyethylene) outer jackets when installing cables near moist soil or concrete walls
– Seal junctions and connection points with gel-filled closures that prevent moisture from sneaking in where two cables meet
– Install rated enclosures that handle both low temperatures and high humidity. Make sure they also allow for a bit of airflow to avoid trapping moisture inside
If you’re not sure if your current materials are up to the job, it’s better to check now than patch things up later. In many cases, cables meant for indoor use get installed in damp basements or exterior walls without being upgraded. That small misstep leads to bigger performance issues down the road.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Even with the right materials and smart planning, moisture can still find its way in. That’s why monitoring your setup and doing a bit of seasonal maintenance can help you stay ahead of bigger problems. Winter adds extra stress on all parts of the network, and cables aren’t always out in plain sight, so it pays to check on them regularly.
Create a routine that includes visual inspections during winter months. Once every 4 to 6 weeks, take a walk through areas with cables, especially basements, crawlspaces, or utility rooms. Look for signs like damp insulation, discoloration on walls near cabling, or puddles forming close to network infrastructure. Early signs of water damage may look like tiny specks of rust on connectors or a faint musty smell coming from enclosed cabinets.
When something looks off, quick fixes might help prevent lasting damage. These can include:
– Replacing or drying out small moisture-absorbing packs in server cabinets
– Patching up fresh wall leaks around conduit exits
– Swapping cracked conduit sections with better-sealed piping
– Adjusting HVAC settings if too much humidity builds up in storage closets
But sometimes issues go beyond a quick fix. If your network starts acting up and common problems like router resets or device reboots don’t solve it, the cabling could be the problem. Water damage doesn’t always show up as full outages. Sometimes, it creeps in slowly through signal disruptions, slower upload speeds, or unusual behavior in connected systems like security cameras or POS devices.
Boston buildings, especially older ones, often have hidden pathways where moisture builds slowly. One local office found their old stone foundation absorbed snowmelt, which led to cable corrosion months after the initial leak. Catching things early made the repair quicker and less expensive, but only because techs spotted the issue during a routine winter check.
How to Keep Moisture From Putting Your Winter Network at Risk
Stopping moisture damage takes a mix of preparation, smart material choices, and consistent follow-up. If you set up your cables to avoid damp spots, wrap them in material meant for the weather, and inspect when conditions change, you’re already ahead of the game. Maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated, just consistent.
Boston’s cold season always comes with surprises. A sudden thaw, a sneaky roof drip after a snowstorm, or just that one room no one checks often enough can all lead to problems. But with the right prevention methods and regular upkeep, your network can stay reliable even when the weather won’t cooperate.
Even better, proactive planning now makes next winter a little smoother too. Once the snow melts, cables placed right and protected well are the ones that’ll be ready to go another round without issue. It’s all about staying dry and staying ahead.
To make sure your network is protected this winter, it’s smart to keep a close eye on your setup. Choosing the right materials and staying proactive with maintenance helps avoid costly problems. If you need further guidance or support, learn more about how our data cabling solutions can help keep your business network running smoothly. ASCIO Wireless is here to support reliable connectivity through Boston’s toughest months.