{"id":636,"date":"2014-03-18T10:32:09","date_gmt":"2014-03-18T14:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/insuranceclaimsgroup.com\/blog\/?p=636"},"modified":"2014-03-18T10:32:09","modified_gmt":"2014-03-18T14:32:09","slug":"frozen-pipe-water-damage-claims-reaking-havoc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insuranceclaimsgroup.com\/blog\/frozen-pipe-water-damage-claims-reaking-havoc\/","title":{"rendered":"Frozen Pipe Water Damage Claims Reaking Havoc"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Bursting<\/a>Frozen Pipe Claims Reaching Disaster Levels<\/span><\/h2>\n

Water can cause significant, “hidden” damages. Water spreads under walls, cabinets, and bathtubs. These areas can become moldy in less than 24 hours. If carpets were wet more than 72 hours they cannot be cleaned due to the bacteria. Consult with a water damage professional and do not simply try to vac the mess with your shop vac.<\/p>\n

I’ve been an insurance adjuster for 10 years an and insurance restorator 20 years prior to that. PLEASE… do not take water damages lightly. Many adjusters do not understand the issues and details of water damage. In fact, many water damage contractors, do not know, nor do they follow IICRC or RAI standards when cleaning up water and mold. If you are in a situation or disagreement with your insurance carrier over the damages suffered by a busted \/ frozen pipe, feel free to call 919-669-9111, anytime to have your questions answered or Contact Us at info@insuranceclaimsgroup.com.<\/p>\n

Below is one of thousands of news stories about the subject. It’s almost an epidemic this winter.<\/p>\n

“Frozen pipes lead winter-related insurance claims
\nSunday, March 16, 2014 8:12 PM
\nBY STEPHANIE GROVES
\nStaff Writer
\nsgroves@delphosherald.com<\/a><\/p>\n

DELPHOS \u2014 The unyielding winter weather has taken a toll on every facet of our lives; from stressful driving conditions to the potholes in the roadways to the disastrous outcomes of frozen water pipes, the weather weary just want to put winter behind them.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, that\u2019s not so easy for households who have or are still experiencing the effects of winter-weather damage to their homes.<\/p>\n

Gilden Insurance owner Jerry Gilden said he has seen an increase in claims due to bursting water pipes this winter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have had a dramatic increase in these types of claims as compared to the few previous years,\u201d Gilden said.<\/p>\n

Owner of Schmit, Massa and Lloyd Insurance and principal agent Bill Massa said with weather like this, it is commonplace to see exposed plumbing cause pipes to burst, especially with the zero and sub-zero weather the area experienced in February.<\/p>\n

Gilden said claims of snow collapses have not been a big problem since up until the last storm \u2014 which was a wet and heavy snow \u2014 most of the accumulations have been lighter in weight.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny structures that were marginal or could sustain damage probably took a hit back in June of 2012,\u201d Gilden reasoned. \u201cThe wind probably took care of them back then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Massa reported his office has not seen any issues with damage to roofs from the weight of snow or ice this winter. He said as a preventative maintenance measure, many folks shovel it off to be safe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe weight of heavy snows on older roofs can cause structural impairment and damage joists,\u201d Massa detailed. \u201cIn such cases, homeowners will see water appear on their ceiling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Karen Dickman of Dickman Insurance said over all, the industry was hit pretty hard with frozen pipe claims and this winter, her office has handled a few broken\/burst water pipe claims. In addition, one individual called about water backing into the house from the gutters.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey sustained minor damage to a ceiling in their living room,\u201d she said. \u201cIt did not amount to enough to file a claim.\u201d<\/p>\n

Massa said when water gets trapped in the gutter and freezes, it expands and ice is pushed into places it should not be; and once it starts melting, that\u2019s when we see the water damage.<\/p>\n

Gilden said there have been a few calls about water backing up in gutters \u2014 gutter dams \u2014 and in basements.<\/p>\n

\u201cTiles around the house can freeze and block the water being pumped out by the sewer pump,\u201d Gilden detailed.<\/p>\n

Dickman said with the last big thaw, one individual called about water backing up in their basement. She said it\u2019s good preventative maintenance to have a spare sewer pump on hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cEquipment like that only lasts so long and with the amount of work it was doing, it gave out,\u201d Dickman said. \u201cMore often than not, that\u2019s when it happens, during a big thaw or rain event.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said one thing they worry about is fires when temperatures get extreme. Fortunately, the company has had no claims due to fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpace heaters and furnaces work overtime and sometimes do not stop,\u201d she said. \u201cPeople should have their heating systems checked during the latter part of the summer or early fall.\u201d\u00a0 “<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Source:
\nFrozen pipes lead winter-related insurance claims<\/a><\/p>\n

Related Stories:
\nDoes Homeowners Insurance Cover Pipes That Burst?<\/a>
\nWinter Weather: An Insurance Q&A<\/a>
\nWater damage: Seven home insurance scenarios<\/a><\/p>\n

Frozen Pipe Claims Reaching Disaster Levels<\/span><\/h2>\n