Prepare Your Chaska Property To Withstand Winter Storm Woes

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Winter Damage is Costly

The relentless advance of sleet, snow, and ice can mean disaster for poorly-prepared property owners in Chaska, Chanhassen or the surrounding areas. Insurance experts note over half of all yearly claims presented in areas prone to wintery weather relate to damage caused by freezing forms of precipitation and cold temperatures. 

Winter Damage Has Specific Manifestations

The "big three" types of weather events causing property loss, hurricanes, tornadoes, and snowstorms, trace much of the damage to high winds. We caution customers that winter storms and general seasonal conditions add significant condition-based risk factors.

• Extend exposure of plumbing and fixtures to freezing temperatures causes burst pipes and subsequent water damage. 
• Snow-clogged gutters and downspouts plus warm air seepage due to inadequate insulation and incomplete joint seals create ice dams that allow meltwater to enter the roofline. 
• The cumulative weight of snow and ice leads to the weakening or collapse of roofing and other structural components, especially when the snowpack is dense and has high water content. 

Winter Damage Can Fall Outside Coverage Parameters

Of concern to property owners digging out after a winter storm is whether your insurer covers the damage presented. Basic "named peril" policies limit claim coverage to specific causations, including windstorms, hail. fire, lightning, or explosions. A careful review of the base policy and additional coverage provided thru riders needs completion long before the winter winds blow. The examination of the insurance documents line by line reveals whether damage due to the weight of frozen precipitation or the migration of moisture into a building following repetitive melting and freezing cycles is underwritten. 

If winter weather damages your property despite your best efforts to prepare, one call to SERVPRO of Chaska Chanhassen delivers a high-qualified team of disaster recovery specialists fast. Our technicians are prepared to secure your property after a snowstorm, and then mitigate and remediate the harm quickly and to the highest industry standards. Call us at 952-999-2435.