Water damage can be a nightmare for homeowners and business owners alike. Whether it’s caused by a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a natural disaster, water damage requires immediate attention to prevent further structural issues, mold growth, and costly repairs. While it may be tempting to hire an unlicensed contractor or attempt a DIY fix to save money, choosing a certified and insured restoration contractor is critical for ensuring quality work and protecting yourself from additional risks. Here’s why hiring the right professionals matters:

1. Compliance with Industry Standards
Licensed restoration contractors have undergone rigorous training and have met the necessary requirements to obtain certification from state regulatory agencies. They are well-versed in industry best practices, including water extraction, drying techniques, and mold remediation. Their knowledge and experience ensure that your property is restored correctly and efficiently, minimizing long-term damage.

2. Protection Against Liability
An insured contractor carries both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This is crucial because, in the event of an accident or injury on your property, you won’t be held financially responsible. Without proper insurance, you could be on the hook for medical expenses or property damage caused during the restoration process.

3. Proper Equipment and Techniques
Professional restoration contractors use advanced tools such as industrial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, moisture meters, and infrared cameras to detect and mitigate water damage effectively. Unlicensed contractors may lack the necessary equipment or expertise, potentially leading to incomplete drying and future issues like mold and structural deterioration.

4. Faster and More Efficient Restoration
Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. Licensed professionals understand the urgency and work quickly to prevent further destruction. They have the manpower and resources to complete the job efficiently, helping you get back to normal as soon as possible.

5. Assistance with Insurance Claims
A reputable restoration contractor will help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims. They can provide proper documentation, damage assessments, and detailed reports that support your claim, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Hiring an unlicensed contractor may lead to claim denials or complications with your insurance provider.

6. Guaranteed Work and Peace of Mind
Water damage restoration is a specialized task that requires expertise, proper equipment, and a commitment to safety. Hiring a certified and insured restoration contractor ensures compliance with industry standards, protects you from liabilities, and provides peace of mind that your property will be restored correctly. Don’t take chances when it comes to your home or business—always choose a qualified professional for the job.

The recent prolonged cold snap can wreak havoc on your home, especially when it comes to your plumbing and exterior structures. The weather is forecasted to warm up towards the end of the week, so please be on high alert for water damage to your property. Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, which, if left unchecked, may burst and cause extensive water damage. Additionally, melting snow can contribute to leaks and flooding. After a period of extreme cold, it’s crucial to inspect your home for any signs of water-related issues.

Here’s what you should look for:

1. Inspect for Burst Pipes

If a frozen pipe bursts, it can lead to major flooding and damage. Look for these indicators:

• Water Stains on Walls or Ceilings – Unexplained discoloration or damp spots could mean a pipe has leaked.
• Pooling Water – Any standing water in unusual places, like near baseboards or under sinks, is a red flag.
• Musty Odors – Persistent dampness can lead to mold growth, which gives off a musty smell.
• Examine Your Water Bill – A sudden spike in your water bill can indicate a hidden leak

2. Look for Melting Snow Issues

Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes at the edge of your roof, preventing proper drainage. This can lead to water backing up under shingles, causing leaks. Additionally, melting snow around your foundation can lead to basement flooding. Watch for:

• Icicles Hanging from Gutters
• Water Stains on Interior Walls or Ceilings
• Sagging Roof Sections
• Pooling Water Around the Foundation

3. Check Your Basement and Crawl Spaces

Since cold air settles in low areas, basements and crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to freezing pipes and water intrusion from melting snow. Look for signs of moisture, mold, or unusual dampness in these areas.

What to Do If You Find Water Damage

If you discover any signs of frozen pipes, leaks, or damage from melting snow, take immediate action:

• Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely – Use a hairdryer or heating pad, but never an open flame.
• Shut Off the Water Supply – If a pipe has burst, turn off the main water supply to minimize damage.
• Redirect Melting Snow Away from Your Home – Shovel snow away from your foundation and ensure downspouts direct water away.
• Call a Professional – The water damage restoration specialists at Newman Restoration can assess the issue and remediate before the situation worsens.

Cold weather can be tough on your home, but catching problems early can prevent costly repairs. Stay vigilant after a cold snap and take proactive steps to protect your plumbing and property.

Unfortunately it is the peak season for water damage in Montana. As the weather fluctuates, the perfect scenario develops for frozen pipes, water spigots, sprinkler lines and ice dams. Winter precipitation also leads to ground saturation and water intrusion through faults in a foundation. Le-Squeegee has some helpful tips on discovering water damage at its earliest stage. Slow leaks are the hardest to detect, but can result in a devastation loss – An undetected slow leak can lead to microbial growth and deteriorate building materials. Learning about the signs of water damage can save yourself time and money. Staining and visible microbial growth – Brown and grey water staining on walls or ceilings and visible microbial growth is one of the most common signs of a water intrusion. Finding these signs on the ceiling can be the result of an ice dam or roof leak. It is also common to find staining in an area that does not have proper ventilation, including attics and bathrooms. Warping, peeling, flaking and soft drywall – Not all water damage is seen with visible staining. It can also be detected by the physical alteration of drywall and paint. Warped drywall is a sign of a water intrusion. This is most often found on a lower section of drywall resulting from a pipe leak inside the wall or a water intrusion from a foundation issue. Peeling paint or drywall that is soft to the touch is the result of the drywall becoming saturated from water. This is a sign of a slow leak where the water is absorbing into the building materials. Musty smell – Trapped water will begin to put out a musty odor. The most common place for this type of odor to occur is water trapped in the pad of a carpet or underneath flooring. If you start to notice a musty smell, it is a good idea to get a professional restoration company involved to discover the source of the smell. Increase in water bill – A water leak often leads to an increase in water consumption that is reflected on your bill. If you notice any irregularities with your water bill it is a good idea to have a detailed inspection to see if there are any issues. Increased humidity – Elevated humidity levels and moisture buildup on windows is a sign of a water issue. This can happen when a space does not have proper ventilation or there is a significant water leak. Distorted flooring – Wood floor buckling and swelling or laminate floor that is lifting or popping is a sign of water damage and an active leak. These issues require the attention of a restoration professional. See any of these signs? Bring in a professional restoration company with advanced detection equipment – Ask your trusted restoration company (Newman Restoration) for a water damage inspection. They should be able to get an detailed picture of the damage using moisture detecting equipment and a thermal imaging camera.

This prolonged period of cold is creating a major risk of frozen pipes. One of the most important factors in preventing a frozen pipe is to keep your thermostat set above 60 F. Turning down the temperature might save a few dollars, but it can lead to a catastrophic rupture of a frozen pipe. Some other quick tips are to insulate exposed pipes, open cabinet doors, let faucets drip, and seal drafts around windows, doors and vents. Be on the lookout for signs of a frozen pipe. Is the water coming out of the tap colder than normal? This is a sign of a possible problem. No water coming out of the tap, or inconsistent pressure? This is another sign of a major issue. If pipes need to be thawed, it is a good idea to get a plumber involved to have the issue resolved. If the same pipes continue to have problems, invest in pipe insulation or a pipe wrap. It is possible to thaw pipes with a heat gun or heat wrap, however, if the pipe gets too hot in a specific area, the buildup of steam can cause a rupture. A frozen pipe can rupture or crack. A ruptured pipe will result in an immediate issue, often with a large loss of water. It is important to have the water main shutoff located and marked in case of a serious rupture. If a frozen pipe only cracks, water damage may not occur until the pipe thaws out in the spring. A slow leak may be difficult to discover and can be a source of mold and microbial growth. Signs of a slow leak can include warped or crumbling drywall, a stale odor or discolored drywall. With any of these signs it is necessary to get a restoration company like Newman Restoration involved for a water damage inspection. During the winter it is imperative to check all areas of your home or business daily. Inspect for any signs of water damage and for average temperatures. This might take some time, but catching water damage early, or preventing it in the first place, can save a considerable amount of money. See any of these signs? Call Newman Restoration right away. We have a certified team and advanced detection and mitigation equipment. Team Newman is ready to deliver 5 Star Service for any of your disaster emergencies.

With winter in full swing, here is some information about the dangers of frozen pipes. Where are pipes most likely to freeze – Some pipes are more vulnerable than others. Pipes running near exterior walls are most susceptible to freezing. Pipes in the crawlspace are also vulnerable to freezing if they are not properly insulated. Whichever areas of the home are the coldest or most difficult to heat are going to be the first to freeze. These areas should be checked daily to catch water damage before it develops into a larger issue. Signs of a frozen pipe – Water flowing suddenly from pipes or barley trickling out can be a sign of freezing. Excess moisture or a very cold tap is another indication. A frozen pipe may also be bulged out around where the water has frozen. It is possible to unfreeze a frozen pipe, but you should only attempt to do so with the water turned off. Some common home remedies are to use a hairdryer or wrap the pipes with warm towels. Team Newman suggests using a trusted plumber to unfreeze any pipes and offer solutions to prevent freezing in the future. Protect vulnerable areas – Adding insulation, pipe wrap or electric tape can prevent pipes from freezing. Eliminating the source of cold air near pipes is also important. Fixing drafts and missing insulation is crucial to protecting pipes. Do not turn off the heat to your home – While it is a cost cutting measure, turning off the heat in your home can lead to very expensive water damage. A pipe may not freeze and burst right away, but consistent freezing and thawing can develop into a sudden rupture or slow leak. Both results can develop into an expensive remediation bill. If the temperature inside a home is in the fifties, exterior wall cavities can easily drop to below freezing. Keep the thermostat above 60 degrees to protect against water damage. If you are going to leave a property unattended, it is recommended to have a plumber winterize the pipes. This step is expensive, but is often less than the deductible for a water damage claim. Perform a structure walkthrough – It is a good idea to inspect all the living spaces of your home daily. Look for discoloration in walls or ceilings or a musty smell. These are signs of a possible slow leak from a damaged pipe. A small leak can lead to large amounts of damage if it is undetected. It is also recommended to check crawl spaces and attics routinely, as they can also develop water damage. Look for excess moisture or elevated levels of humidity, which are often the first signs of water damage in unoccupied or unfinished spaces. Know where to shut off the water – If a pipe does rupture, turn off the water to the home immediately. Knowing where the water shut off valve is located is very important. It is a good practice to clearly label the valve so someone else can easily find it. These valves are most often located on the perimeter of the home in a utility space. It will be located very close to where the water enters the home from the main line. If it is difficult to find the water shut off, contact a local plumber who can help explain the system. Shutting off the water quickly can prevent additional damage. If a pipe does burst, shut off the water and call a restoration professional – Getting a professional restoration company involved right away will help limit the damage. At Newman Restoration & Cleaning, we are prepared to respond 24/7 to stabilize any water damage that may occur from a broken pipe.