When Winter Storms Lead To Storm Damage

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

When winter storms result in damage, contact SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties.

Winter is officially here, and while the snow can be pretty, it can lead to damage to your home or business. What kinds of damage can happen during a winter storm?

Roof Damage
When ice and snow weigh down a tree’s branches, sometimes those branches wind up on the roof of your house. That can lead to a more than just a few damaged shingles… if a branch breaks all the way through the roof, it can lead to water damage and more.

In addition, sometimes the weight of heavy snow can cause a roof to collapse. This usually only occurs over the course of several snowstorms and takes several feet of snow.

What to do if it happens to you: Contact SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties and the first thing we will do is stop any further damage by placing a weather-sturdy tarp on the roof. We’ll work with roofing professionals and your insurance company to get a new roof or a roof repair in place quickly so that you can stay warm and dry.

Frozen Pipes
When the temperatures drop during a winter storm, it’s hard for pipes to stay warm. This can lead to frozen pipes that may burst. Signs of frozen pipes include: unusual odors from the faucet or drain, no water (or very little water) coming from the pipes, or frost on the pipes. Find tips for preventing frozen pipes here.

What to do if it happens to you: If it’s not too late, you may be able to prevent your pipes from bursting. Try opening cabinet doors to allow more heat to the pipes and turn on the faucet slightly to allow the water to flow once unfrozen.

Burst Pipes
If you don’t get to your frozen pipes fast enough, you will have pipes that burst. Water leaking will lead to water damage if not managed quickly.

What to do if it happens to you: The first thing to do is to shut off your water at the home’s main water valve. (If you don’t know where that is… call SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties to discuss our free Emergency Ready Profile. We can help you find important details about your utilities before you need it!) If water damage has occurred in an area that uses electricity, use your breaker box to turn off electricity in that area.

Your next step is to call in the pros. SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties has 24-hour service available for emergencies like burst pipes. We’ll get the water damage under control and help you contact a certified plumber to get your pipes repaired.

Flooding
When warmer temperatures hit, all of that snow has to go somewhere. Melting snow, especially when combined with additional rain, can lead to flooding. When your basement or crawlspace has water leaking in, that means that mold is soon to follow.

What to do if it happens to you: Removing the water from the basement or crawlspace is the first step, and SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties can help you dry everything out. Next, you’ll need to have anything stored there treated for mold damage. SERVPRO can inventory, clean, and return items to you mold-free. Finally, you’ll want a solution in place so you will be less likely to experience flooding again. The expert team at SERVPRO can offer advice and solutions to keep basements and crawlspaces dry.

Do you have a question about winter storm damage? Give us a call at (765) 575-8654.