Cold Weather Damage

13 January 2010

Last month Portland, OR experienced an incredible cold snap. Many homes were severely damaged by flooding when pipes burst due to freezing. One such home I looked at recently had uninsulated PVC piping running through an attic space. Another unfortunately didn't have the heat on. Normally, in a fairly mild climate like this one most of us tend not to worry or concern ourselves with these disastrous possibilities. Nonetheless, both of these homes experienced severe damage resulting in much of the drywall and insulation having to be completely torn out. An insurance agent I spoke with recently reported that sixteen homes within one subdivision she worked with had filed claims due this last cold snap! Don't let your home become the victim of such flood damage. Make sure that your home has been properly inspected by a licensed home inspector and that you've followed through on the recommendations made. Be sure to keep your heat on to at least the minimum necessary to avoid freezing. Insulate exposed pipes. Disconnect your garden hoses and cover your hose bibs with insulated covers. The freezing potential isn't over yet this winter so don't let your house be next. If you have any questions please feel free to call or e-mail me and I'll be happy to help. Also, should your home need repairs due to flooding, Dwelling Renovation is a great resource. Just give us a call. Thanks and stay warm out there this winter!

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