What type of damage do blizzards cause

Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst to cause significant damage as the water melts. Spring thaws commonly cause roof leaks and flooded basements. It is important that you take steps in advance to insulate and protect your home from these hazards as much as possible in advance.

And if you experience any of this type of damage, time is of the essence. Call water damage professionals for mitigation and restoration as quickly as possible. Winter storms and blizzards bring freezing and often icy conditions.

Stay indoors and stay warm. Do not use your stove as a heat source, or vent any heaters inside. Be sure to have plenty of blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter clothes and very cautious with electric space heaters and be sure they are legal and have an automatic shut-off switch and follow all directions that come with them.

Be sure you are fully trained on your generator and how to use it properly. DO NOT use any camp stoves, charcoal grills, or similar inside your home.

Conserve heat by avoiding opening doors, close off unneeded rooms, close off cracks under doors with towels and close the draperies at night. If you must go outside, beware icy conditions under the snow and dress in layers. As soon as it is safe, inspect for potential damage to your home. Document any damage to the best of your ability with photos if possible. If you suspect any issues, call a water restoration specialist immediately.

They can help assess the damage, remove the snow load on your roof, break down ice dams, inspect for electrical damage, and take other steps to avoid additional water damage and mold. They have the proper training, and the drying and dehumidifying equipment you will need to act quickly and can assist in getting your restoration project on track.

Report any damage to your insurance company immediately. Every insurance policy is different and your coverage will depend upon your policy as well as the circumstances.

It would normally cover the broken pipe, the water damage to your home, and the water damage to your furnishings. If you have water leaks through your roof as long as you have maintained it the water damage to your home and furnishing should be covered.

The first snow of the season catches everybody off guard. We keep up with weather reports, take all the right precautions and get ready to dig in. The combination of high winds, snow and sleet takes a serious toll on area homes. Besides slick steps and frozen sidewalks, what kind of damage do blizzards cause to Chicago homes? Winterizing your home is an important seasonal routine. It makes a big difference in how well the house weathers freezing temperatures. As the water inside plumbing turns to ice and expands, it causes problems ranging from small cracks and leaks to complete system failures.

The resulting water damage can be severe. Accumulated snow on the roof begins to melt and then freezes into layers of ice along roof edges. The process forms a thick ridge of ice dams putting additional strain on already-stressed roof edges, fascia and eaves. As temperatures rise and fall through the day, the snow pack on top of your house melts and then refreezes. The process causes water to seep into brickwork, siding and even ceiling joists causing hidden structural problems.

Just 1 cubic foot of wet snow on the roof can weigh 12 pounds. Too much weight on your roof can cause it to collapse, resulting in costly repairs and severe structural damage. Blizzards and high winds can also put your gutters at risk for severe destruction.

Plummeting temperatures can turn the debris and water in your gutters into slush and ice, slowing the flow and creating a backup. Frozen water in your gutters will expand and can cause your gutters and drains to split and break the system. Flooding and water damage from blizzard conditions are also common. The accumulated snow will eventually melt as temperatures rise. Often, the thawing of ice and snow happens too quickly and can create substantial flooding.

Ice builds up on ledges and drains, which can prevent melting snow from draining properly. After a blizzard has passed through, you should take a few steps to ensure your home is safe and structurally sound. Blowing snow and high winds can quickly snap tree branches, impacting power lines. If your area has suffered power outages, look out the window for any downed power lines. If you see any power lines in your yard, call your power company immediately.

Next, ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working. Check your pipes, ceilings and walls for any leaks. If you see any water seeping through, turn off your water supply immediately. Also, turn your taps on.

In either situation, contact a plumber or water damage expert right away. Assess your roof and chimney for any storm damage.