Texans learned the hard way during the 2021 freeze that our homes are not built for extreme cold. While the Big Country sees freezing temperatures more regularly than central or south Texas, a hard freeze or ice storm still causes damage that can go unnoticed for weeks or months. Catching storm damage early is the difference between a small repair and a major restoration.
Check Your Pipes Immediately
Pipes are the first thing to check. Even if you had no burst pipes during the freeze, look under every sink, in crawl spaces, and around exterior hose bibs for signs of leaking. A pipe can develop a hairline crack that does not become a visible leak until the pipe thaws and pressure is restored. Water stains on ceilings, walls, or floors that appear after a freeze are an immediate red flag.
Inspect Your Roof for Ice Damage
Check your roof for ice damage. Ice dams form when heat escaping through the attic melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the eaves. This ice backup can push water under shingles and into your attic. Look in your attic for water stains on the underside of the roof deck, damp insulation, or any signs of moisture. From outside, check for shingles that look lifted, cracked, or displaced.
Exterior Faucets and Irrigation
Exterior faucets and irrigation systems are vulnerable points. Turn on each exterior faucet and check for leaks at the valve and along the pipe inside the wall. If an exterior faucet runs but there is a wet spot on the interior wall behind it, the pipe inside the wall is compromised. Irrigation systems should be checked zone by zone for broken heads, cracked pipes, and valve damage.
Look for Foundation Movement
Walk the perimeter of your home and inspect your foundation. Freeze and thaw cycles cause soil movement that can stress foundations, especially in the clay-heavy soils common in parts of the Big Country. Look for new cracks in the foundation, cracks in brick mortar, and doors or windows that suddenly stick or will not close properly. These are signs of foundation movement that should be evaluated.
Interior Drywall and Wall Cracks
Check your drywall and interior walls for new cracks. Temperature-related expansion and contraction can open cracks at seams, corners, and around windows and door frames. Most of these are cosmetic and can be repaired with joint compound and paint. However, cracks that are wider than a quarter inch or that you can see daylight through indicate a structural issue.
Trees and Landscaping Damage
Trees and landscaping take a beating in ice storms. Look for cracked branches that have not fully separated, as they can fall unexpectedly when the next wind comes through. Dead limbs and hanging branches near your home or power lines should be removed promptly. Damaged trees that are close to structures need professional assessment to determine if they are safe to leave or need to come down.
Document Everything for Insurance
If you find damage, document everything with photos before making repairs. This documentation is critical for insurance claims. Adrian's Custom Services helps Big Country homeowners with storm damage repairs including drywall repair, pipe damage restoration, and tree debris removal. The sooner you address storm damage, the less it costs to fix.