Freezing Weather and Water Damage

Home damage brought on by freezing weather condition occurs more often and creates higher damage than is commonly thought. Its volume boosts by approximately eleven percent and this growth puts in tremendous force when water freezes. This force suffices to break concrete or even steel! When even a percentage of water freezes and goes into a structure, the resulting growth further damages and weakens the structure permitting more water to go into. The damage cycle continues until the source issue (the preliminary entry point) is fixed.

A number of variables acting independently or together add to freeze damage. A drop in temperature level, the kind of building construction, the quantity and quality of insulation, the instructions and force of wind, and other weather related conditions are all contributing factors.

An occupied building is not totally complimentary from freeze related damages, even when it is constructed to withstand freezing weather condition and is properly maintained and heated. A substantial quantity of freeze damage occurs when a building is not occupied, specifically if the owners are gone for an extended duration, and the heating system is not on during the freezing weather. In northern climates, many individuals go south for the winter season. They winterize their houses prior to they leave by draining pipes the plumbing system and adding antifreeze to plumbing fixtures. Frequently this is not completely efficient, and the owners find freeze damage when they return.

The damage then is found just after the water is turned back on and escapes from that break. As a result, a freeze caused leak is only found when water damage to floorings, carpet, walls, or ceilings becomes noticeable. The leakage has already caused some degree of damage.

Individuals living in the south normally consider themselves immune from this kind of damage. Construction in the southern parts of the nation often does not effectively take into factor to consider that truth that the temperature does periodically drop listed below freezing due to the fact that of this sense of security. Then damage will take place when that occurs and residential or commercial property is improperly insulated.

Winter wind, ice or snow storms regularly damage electric power lines and devices resulting in interruptions of electrical power. Many heating systems depend upon electrical energy, and when the power goes off, so does the heat. In extreme winter, this can lead to extensive freeze damage before power is restored.

Buildings that are poorly created and do not hold up against weather condition well can add to their own damage. Lots of old buildings were not insulated at all. To avoid freezing, plumbing lines were frequently run along the within of interior walls and ceilings instead of confined within the walls. In many cases, lots of lines merely ran inside un-insulated walls. Throughout renovation of some old houses, blown or foam insulation has actually been included into wall cavities between exterior and interior wall surface areas and between each stud. This procedure sometimes served to insulate heat far from pipelines that were situated inside of walls and adjacent to the exterior wall surface areas or in attics, actually making them more vulnerable to freezing.

The type and age of the plumbing system is likewise a factor. Rust or deterioration deteriorates pipes, making leakages simpler to happen. When freeze expansion takes place, such pipelines will typically split open. As thawing starts or when the water is turned back on, this circumstance will lead to water damage.

There is likewise a type of direct damage that can take place from severe cold even though no wetness is present. Extremely cold temperature levels can damage some delicate computer and other electronic parts.

Despite the circumstances-- if water damage occurs from freezing or other sources, call your insurance declares workplace. The professionals in your insurer's claims center will offer you emergency situation suggestions to reduce the loss to prevent more damage; they will appoint an adjustor who will make a consultation to evaluate the damage and make recommendations for the correct repair work of the situation

Residential or commercial property damage triggered by freezing weather condition takes place more often and creates higher damage than is commonly believed. A considerable quantity of freeze damage happens when a building is not occupied, specifically if the owners are gone for a prolonged period, and the heating system is not on throughout the freezing weather condition. The damage then is found only after the water is turned back on and leaves from that break. As an outcome, a freeze triggered leak is only discovered when water damage to floorings, carpet, walls, or ceilings ends up being visible. As thawing starts or when the water is turned back on, this scenario will result in water damage.