Burst Pipes and Ice Dams Equal Severe Water Damage

Winter’s frigid temperatures and freezing precipitation create treacherous conditions. Meteorologists and officials recommend sheltering at home, but many area residents discover their residences are not the safe refuges expected. Instead, the consequences of below-freezing temperatures and slushy conditions can significantly harm their houses.

The Destructive Power of Frozen Water

Winter water damage in Marietta demonstrates its devastation in many ways. Some parallel the effects of any severe weather, and others are unique to temperatures dipping below the freezing point of water and cycling of ice melting and refreezing.   

  • Wind damage causes leaking roofs and other exterior breaches that allow water to intrude. 

  • Ice-coated trees and wires topple, crashing into homes and severing utility lines, again causing water incursion plus cutting off heating services and sources.

  • Water in lines running along or through non or inadequately-insulated walls freezes and expands until the pipes crack or rupture and connections break apart. Supply lines continue to push liquid water through the shattered pipes, flowing down walls and flooding affected homes.

  • Gutters become clogged with ice and snow, developing ice dams. When temperatures drop, the ice expands, pushing against the eaves and separating the joints between the exterior and interior of the roofline. Warm attic air escapes, the sun shines, and the ice dam melts, pouring liquid water inside through the cracked and broken joints. Beautiful icicles ironically mark the spots where the water enters.

AdvantaClean of Marietta Responds

Some water damage following extreme winter weather is difficult to predict or prevent--high winds that rip off shingles and send huge tree limbs flying cannot be stopped by maintenance and planning. Fortunately for homeowners in north Atlanta, our team of highly qualified and well-equipped technicians is ready round the clock to respond by:

  • Assessing the damage and securing the structure

  • Devising a plan matched to each disaster’s precise circumstances, no matter how complicated 

  • Removing the water

  • Drying wet structural materials, building cavities, and contents 

AdvantaClean of Marietta Recommends

Other water damage linked to winter weather can and should be minimized or completely avoided. AdvantaClean of Marietta offers northern Georgia residents the following advice to prevent frozen pipes and ice dams:

  • Insulate unheated interiors that pipes run through, including attics, basements, garages, other outbuildings, and crawl spaces.

  • Wrap exposed pipes with “pipe sleeves” or install heat tape or cables.

  • Open doors, including closets and cabinets, for warm airflow.

  • Set thermostats at least 55 degrees or higher.

  • Allow a faucet to drip cold water during a cold snap.

  • Close interior valves that provide water to hose bibs (spigots)

  • Clear gutters and downspouts, seal roof edges, and add insulation to provide proper drainage and prevent heat loss at the roofline, eliminating ice dams and icicles

While winter water damage can overwhelm Marietta property owners, we are confident in the training our technicians receive from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The strategies learned can deliver a fast recovery from all water disasters experienced by our customers.

Call AdvantaClean of Marietta at (470) 819-2077 when you face the destruction of winter water damage. Our IICRC-certified crews are always ready for dispatch from our facility at 2265 Roswell Rd #100, Marietta, GA 30062, to help you restore your property and peace of mind.

Schedule an Appointment or Call (470) 819-2077

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(470) 819-2077
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