Wild Weather and Water Damage

Ever notice that in other states people talk about “rain“and in Texas, we discuss “rain events“? Our North Texas spring showers are more likely to bring hail and damaging winds than May flowers. Texas ranks first in tornado occurrence with an average of 139 per year, including our own in December, 2015. Whether you have weathered the storms for years or are new to the area, water damage will always be a threat to your home. The team at Lone Star State Mitigation can answer some common questions about water damage:

Can the pipes freeze here in Rowlett?

Absolutely! An average of 20 nights a year drops below 32 degrees. Any home can be susceptible to cold weather, and that’s especially true for homes in the South that may not be well insulated to protect the home’s vital infrastructure. If your pipes burst, you need a water damage restoration team immediately on site to control damage and begin water damage cleanup in Rowlett Texas.

Should I unplug my appliances before the storm?

If your home has flooded in the past and the weather service predicts more, it’s a good idea to unplug your fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer, range and stove. This will help you avoid facing a room flooded with electrically charged water if the worst happens.

And after it hits?

If you haven’t unplugged anything and your appliances, electric cords or even outlets are submerged, don’t attempt to clean it up at that moment. The electricity can charge the standing water and electrocute you. Storm water is even harder on electrical components than clean water, but any wet appliances should be looked at by a professional. Wait for the water damage team to assess the situation.

The decision to repair or replace depends on several factors, including:

Time: The longer they’re wet, the less likely they can be salvaged.

Warranty: Repairs or replacement parts might void it.

Corrosion: Floodwater is dirty, and dirt can corrode certain parts of appliances. Even if the machines are safe to use, you might find problems down the road.

Age: If your appliances are reaching their golden years anyway, it’s probably best to replace them. Repairs can cost more than buying something new, especially if your insurance is covering part of the replacement cost.

Repair: Dishwashers, washers and dryers, ranges, microwaves, home electronics, trash compactors and electric water heaters may all be repairable, depending on the extent of the damage.

Replace: Gas water heaters, small appliances, HVAC units, fridges and freezers will likely need to be replaced.

Can Hail Break House Windows?

Reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, large pieces of hail can break through window glass. During a hail storm, stay away from the windows, and cover any broken windows as soon as possible after the storm is over to protect your home from water damage. Damage to the roof and siding are more common than broken windows; they are more exposed to the wind.

How Common is Roof Damage from High Winds?

Shingles can come flying off at around 70 mph winds; roof damage is very common. Homes with wood shake roofs can last about 30 years, fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years. The lifespan of all types of roofs will be shortened by weather extremes; the roof will degrade from wind storms. Just a few damaged or missing shingles can end up allowing a lot of water to leak in during strong winds. 

Family-Owned Water Damage Restoration

Owners Michael and Katti Smith, lost their home in the 2015 Rowlett tornado. They created Lone Star Mitigation to provide restoration services with empathy, compassion, and integrity. Their technicians receive ongoing training, keep current certifications and have IICRC licensing for the highest quality service.

Please contact Lone Star State Mitigation, day or night, for emergency cleanup.