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5 Tips On Handling Water Damage After A Thaw

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While February weather brought a polar vortex and loads of snow, what’s especially unique is the subsequent swing back into warmer temperatures and the impact it can have on your home or commercial property.

Just as a heavy snowfall can cause roof collapse and the freezing cold can cause a burst pipe, when it warms up for a few days in the middle of the season, it’s important to be aware of water damage that can come from a thaw.

Perhaps less obvious to detect is the formation of ice dams on your roof. This usually happens after a heavy snowfall when a warm attic causes snow to melt and drip to the colder edges of your roof, which then freezes into a mound of ice that traps meltwater underneath it. With nowhere to run off, this meltwater can then seep beneath your shingles, drip through, and damage ceilings and walls.

Water Damage Cleanup Tips

Consider these 5 tips from our Public Adjusters on water damage in case this happens to your home or building:

  • Have snow and ice removed from roof edges to allow melting water to flow out of the ice dam. For safety, have this done by a professional.
  • The full extent of the water damage may not be apparent until the affected areas dry out.
  • Remove wet drywall, carpeting, and insulation to prevent the growth of mold.
  • Be aware of the exterior finishes including soffits and clapboards which may also be damaged.
  • Check your attic and crawl spaces carefully.

Filing a Water Damage Claim

So what’s next?

Your priority as the policyholder is to mitigate the water damage while documenting it completely. Things missed in these crucial steps can lead to greater damages months down the road after your claim is already settled.

That’s where our team can come in to help. We know where to look, what to look for, and how to document the full scope of your damage, and then negotiate on your behalf with the insurance to help you recover more sooner.

While your insurance company will have its own adjusters protecting their interests, shouldn’t you have an insurance professional on your side, too?

Contact us today for expert help with your claim.

AI/BLC is a public adjusting organization that works exclusively for the property owner to ensure maximum results from first-party property insurance claims. The firm has helped thousands of policyholders and government entities in the aftermath of many of the nation’s worst disasters. AI/BLC’s public adjusters can help you recover from severe property damage. Visit the Contact Us page or call 877.482.1234.