Freezing Rain Damage: How Freezing Rain Causes Home Damages

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the storm damage professionals at SERVPRO for emergency services!

Homeowners need to be aware of the dangers that freezing rain can cause.

The Georgia winter weather seems to be different year after year. However, one thing that never changes is the property damages that come with every winter season. During the winter season, the professionals at SERVPRO receive numerous water and fire damage-related calls and calls relating to exterior damages.

One of our team's most recent calls was regarding a house with freezing rain damage. 

We put together the following blog post because we want the homeowners throughout greater Atlanta to realize the dangers that freezing rain has on one's home.

So, let's get learning!

What is freezing rain?

Freezing rain is a type of precipitation that occurs when snowfall melts and turns into rain but then freezes when it hits the ground level. Freezing rain is a form of ice that can be hazardous and cause severe damage to one's property.

Freezing rain can affect a home in three significant ways:

1) Roof leaks

A leaky roof is the number issue that homeowners in the Greater Atlanta area tend to notice after freezing rain. Roof leaks can lead to serious property damages when not handled correctly.

Ice dams commonly form at the gutters due to freezing rain coming down from the roof or gutter. Therefore, it is common for roof leaks to occur from an ice dam.

Homeowners with older homes should keep greater caution. The shingles on an older house can get worn out from the water and ice, making it more prone to a roof leak.

2) Exterior damages 

Freezing rain can affect one's siding and windows, especially when it freezes on contact. The SERVPRO restoration professionals have seen broken windows and siding caused by freezing rain.

Another major type of exterior damage to be aware of is gutter damage. If a home has a broken gutter system, then it is likely that other damages will occur.

3) Interior damages 

Freezing rain is not always known for its exterior impacts; it can affect one's home interior when there is a leak. Water damage is the most common interior damage that freezing rain can cause. Water can damage both hardwood and carpeted flooring. It can also lead to mold damage if the water damage is not restored quickly.

Tips to protect your home from the effects of freezing rain

Before the next time freezing rain occurs, you want to ensure the following susceptible areas are secure:

• Keep rain gutters clear of debris so water can drain properly.
• Remove any additional snow from your roof so it won't turn into an ice dam. If there is no way for the water to escape, it could potentially damage your roof or cause water to leak into your home.
• Inspect your windows for cracks and leaks, which may have developed over time.

Call for professional help when there are damages.

We hope you enjoyed learning about the dangers of freezing rain and how it can impact a homeowner's property. Homeowners that prioritize home maintenance will be better equipped for the next time freezing rain occurs. But, before freezing rain hits the area, all homeowners must keep the tips above in mind!

When it comes to property damages caused by freezing rain, it is advised to call on a professional restoration company that knows its way around insurance repairs.

The professionals at SERVPRO of North Fulton are available 24/7 and provide immediate emergency help when needed. Although most damages caused by freezing rain may be minimal, some severe damage may occur if not handled correctly in time.

Contact us today for all your property restoration needs!