What To Do When Winter Weather Water Damage in Elk Grove Occurs

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

With winter weather rearing its ugly head in the Chicagoland area, it is vital to make sure your home or property is protected from the elements, whether that be ice, snow, or wind. SERVPRO provides services in Elk Grove, E. Schaumburg, Itasca, Roselle, Wood Dale, Medinah and beyond to remediate water damage from frozen pipes, ice dams, roof damage, etc.

Frozen Pipes

Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines

Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Garages

Ice Dams

An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

Roof Damage

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.

What to Do

In the unfortunate event you experience a water damage event, SERVPRO is ready 24/7 to take care of your needs.  Until we arrive, here are some steps you can take:

1. If there is water over the electrical sockets on the floor or walls, stay clear of the area!
2. Identify the source of water: sanitary water (i.e. broken pipe) / contaminated water (i.e. washing machine overflow) / grossly contaminated water (i.e. sewage damage).
3. Stop the source of the water and secure any broken or loose pieces (i.e. broken pipe, valve, etc).
4. If you are filing a claim, take photos of each affected area (especially damaged contents like computers or electronics). SERVPRO technicians will also take additional photos of affected areas and items.
5. Watch for any slippery floor conditions.

SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster

For your winter weather water damage needs, SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle is ready and available 24/7 to provide you with quality restoration services. Call us at (847) 593-3055 for immediate assistance!