It Doesn’t Take a Blizzard to Cause a Winter Weather Disaster | SERVPRO of Marietta West

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers water damage due to winter freeze or storms call SERVPRO and so can water damage "Like it never even happened."

When it comes to winter weather in Georgia, the conditions we experience are much tamer compared to other places around the country, but that doesn't mean threats like snow, rain, black ice and freezing temperatures won’t make their way to Marietta.

Winters in our area can be unpredictable, with some seasons being much more manageable than others. Whatever winter decides to throw our way this year, it’s helpful to understand the hazards that might endanger you and your home. And since the winter threats we face here in Marietta are unpredictable, you might as well be prepared for all of them!

When local weather stations start issuing winter weather watches or warnings, you’ll feel more secure knowing you're familiar with what’s to come. Here are just a few of the conditions that may follow when winter finally makes its way to our area:

Heavy Ice or Rain Storms

At times, ice and rain might be a more serious weather threat than snow since it’s much heavier. Freezing rain falls swiftly, leaving a solid sheet of ice on roads, sidewalks and driveways. These sheets of ice can be difficult to see and can pose a driving and walking hazard.

Ice can also clog your gutters when water freezes inside and prevents them from flowing freely. This clogging leads to water building up as much as it can inside your gutters until it finally makes its way inside your home.

Below-Freezing Temperatures

No matter what threats winter throws our way this year, one is always certain to make an appearance: bitterly cold temperatures. Besides making us shiver, freezing temperatures can have a dangerous impact on our homes as well.

Chilly weather can lead to pipes bursting when frozen water builds up pressure, resulting in some unexpected winter water damage. Ice on your roof may freeze during cold weather, and as it begins to melt, water can leak into your house.

A Severe Snowstorm

While snowstorms aren’t common in Marietta during the winter, they definitely aren’t impossible. Snow is capable of disrupting entire communities, shutting down airports and closing off roads for a long time.

Besides the effects snow can have on our communities, it can also significantly impact our homes by shutting off power, damaging roofs and creating a risk of water damage. 

Snow can also make driving impossible and leave your automobile trapped. To stay safe when on the road during a snowstorm, drive slowly, be cautious of any hidden sheets of black ice and keep an emergency kit in your car. If conditions are bad enough, it’s probably safest to pull over and stop driving altogether.

When extreme weather causes a winter emergency, contact SERVPRO. We can restore your home to its original condition regardless of what caused the damage.