Cleveland & Akron Homeowners Are Beginning To Deal With Damage Left By Snow

This winter storm is leaving behind a lot of damage, and homeowners across the area are only beginning to cope with it. Visions of ice hanging from roofs, tons of snow-clogged downspouts, and gutters on the ground are the scene of properties across NE Ohio.

"It's been a nightmare for a lot of people," says insurance agent Crystal Cline. Cline knows firsthand because she gets the claims that homeowners call in. "Ninety percent of them have been homeowners and a majority of them are ice forming in the gutters, and then causing leaks within the home," she said.

But the big question for most is will their homeowners insurance cover the damage? "Yes, if they have the proper policy," said Cline. "Most homeowners' policies do cover losses to the house itself." That means water damage caused by clogged gutters and frozen pipes, and even losses caused by power outages, are covered. Outside your home - repairing fences, retaining walls and removing fallen trees - depends on the language of your policy.

And don't forget, the standard policy is subject to your deductible which is usually $500. "If you have a $500 deductible, that means you have to pay the first $500 of the repair," she said. "Anything over that amount, the insurance company would pay."

The claims are only just beginning.

Agents across the NE Ohio region all share similar sentiment that a lot of claims, especially in the next week or two if there is a thaw, when everything melts is when we will all see a lot of water damage. That time is almost before us right now.

Ice dams are the accumulation of ice at the eaves and valleys of roofs, and in some winters create major problems for property owners in Northeast Ohio. Insufficient attic insulation and/or attic ventilation can cause roof snow to melt and slide down to the eaves, where the roof surface is cooler and the melting snow freezes to the roof. Subsequent melting causes water to pool behind this dam and sometimes the water seeps between the shingle layers, wetting the roof deck and possibly the walls and ceilings below. The surrounding counties of the Greater Cleveland and Akron metropolitan areas saw record amounts of ice accumulation last winter and it is expected to be a prevalent issue again this winter.


If you are experiencing water intrusion from this issue, time is of the essence. DO NOT HESITATE from calling a professional company with that is preferred and has an existing relationship with insurance providers, like PuroClean Professional Services.

Even if you are unsure of the scope of the water damage, it would not hurt to call. We are available with 24-hour emergency service. If we get to the issue quick enough, we may be able to save the structure, therefore saving much more damage from occurring.

440-748-7876