Forecast: Wicked Cold! Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes happen quickly in frigid weather. All it takes is one small area with insufficient insulation to cause major water damage.

Greater Portland and Maine could experience the coldest air mass we’ve seen in years. If you’ve made recent improvements to your home or business (additions, remodeling, new heat systems, etc.), this will be the harshest test your property has had to endure since then. Here’s how to avoid damage from frozen pipes, and what to do if your pipes freeze.

frozen pipes can cause significant water damage

In Very Cold Weather

  • Open cupboard doors below sinks. This allows warm air to circulate, and helps keep pipes from freezing.
  • Turn on hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. Keeping water moving through the pipes prevents freezing.

If You Leave for More than a Day

  • Keep the temperature at a minimum 65 degrees F. People often set their thermostats lower than this and assume they’ll be ok. They find out the hard way that the temperature in the living or working space may be fine, but the temperature inside the walls, where the pipes are, may not.
  • Have someone check your property regularly. If your pipes freeze or water leaks, early discovery saves major damage.
  • Use a “low-temp alarm”. Plenty of inexpensive wireless devices can text or call you if the temp drops inside your property. Even better long-term solution: install a low-temperature alarm into a monitored security system.

 

Think You Have Frozen Pipes?

Don’t wait for them to burst.

Take measures to thaw them immediately, or call a plumber for assistance. Do NOT attempt to thaw them yourself with any sort of flame!

If your frozen pipes do burst…

Even a 1″ split in a pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage in minutes. You need to act quickly to prevent additional damage.

  • Turn off the water at the main shutoff valve.
  • Clean up the water. You don’t want more damage than you already have. An insurance adjuster doesn’t need to see the water, but will want to inspect any damaged items.
  • If you have a lot of water, contact a remediation contractor. Your insurance agent can help you locate one.
  • Prevent further damage. Protect or remove any carpets, furniture, inventory or other items that can be damaged from further seepage.


Making an Insurance Claim for Frozen Pipes

Many standard homeowners and business property policies cover water damage resulting from frozen pipes. Not all policies are alike. Contact your agent to be sure what your policy covers.


Filing a claim:

  • Call your insurance company or agent as soon as you notice the damage. Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance clients can find emergency claim phone numbers and other instructions here. If your agent or company requests you to do so, follow up with a written explanation of what happened.
  • Make temporary repairs and take other steps to protect your property from further damage.
  • Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
  • Make a list of damaged items. If your home is so severely damaged that you cannot live there, save the receipts from any additional living expenses you incur for accomodations while repairs are being made.

 We hope you and your property remain safe and warm through this cold weather.

 

Preventing Ice Dam Damage

Ice dam damage is a common problem in Maine and other cold weather areas. Learn the warning signs and how to prevent damage here.

ice dam damage is common in Maine and other cold weather areas

Icicles and Ice Dams

You can have icicles on your roof without an ice dam. They affect different parts of your roof. But icicles hanging from eaves and gutters are often a warning sign of an ice dam on the roof. Ice dams and icicles are both caused by the freeze – thaw cycle.

Icicles form when ice or snow melt from your roof and freeze on the edge. They can be very heavy. When they fall, they can damage property or injure people.

Ice dams occur when snow melts and then re-freezes on your roof. If melted water works its way under your roof shingles and refreezes, it expands. Ice can trap (or dam) water on the roof, causing it to pool and back into the building. The resulting roof leak can cause damage inside the building. Untreated, it can cause mold and rot.

Insulation and Ventilation Prevent Ice Dam Damage

Proper insulation and ventilation help prevent the freeze – thaw cycle that creates ice dams. The goal is to keep your roof cold.

Good insulation between the ceiling and roof is key. Pay particular attention to openings like vents and hatches. EfficiencyMaine is a great resource to learn more about insulating – and saving heating and cooling costs. You can even set up an energy assessment.

Ventilation is another key. Allowing cold air to circulate between the insulation and the roof keeps your roof cooler. That reduces the freeze – thaw cycle that causes ice dams.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Ice Dam Damage

Good maintenance is another way to avoid damage from ice dams.

  • Clear leaves and debris from downspouts and gutters before winter.
  • Allow downspouts and gutters to flow freely. Keep them free of snow and ice.
  • Rake snow from your roof with a special roof rake. Roof rakes allow you to stand on the ground and clear your roof, reducing chance of a fall or other injury.
  • Never chop ice with any sharp tool or hammer. This can damage your roof!

Trouble Signs

Look for these signs that an ice dam may be forming:

  • Icicles.
  • Water damage on inside ceilings or walls.
  • Exterior paint damage.
  • Your roof is clear when your neighbor’s is snow-covered. This can be a sign that your insulation is inadequate.

Ice Dam Damage and Insurance

Your home or business property insurance may cover water damage caused by ice dams. Sometimes, roof shingles are undamaged by ice dams, but water leaks inside. Check with your insurance agent to see if your home, condo, renters or business policy covers ice dam damage.

If you live or have a business in Southern Maine, including Greater Portland, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance agent at 207-799-5541. Because we offer a choice of many insurance companies, we can compare options to find the right fit for you.

We’re independent and committed to you.