We all know that water damage is an expensive and hard to remedy problem. One way to avoid it is to prevent pipe freezing before cold weather hits. Now that the temperatures in the Twin Cities area are dropping down to the single digits, here are some tips to help you deal with frozen pipes…
Category: Storm Damage
Ice Melt Options – Salt vs. Sand
Slippery walkways are becoming an issue with the snow and colder temperatures here in Minnesota. When you live in a colder climate, ice is always a safety issue. There are two primary tools homeowners can use to prevent buildup of ice. Salt: Rock salt is effective because it reduces the freezing temperature of water. This…
Be Prepared: Tips for Storm Clean-Up
The current Minnesota weather may be mild, but those of us who have lived here for more than a few years know that sooner or later “the big one” is going to hit. You probably have heard – or know – the stories of “the blizzard of ’92″ and other heavy winter storms, but are…
Working with Your Insurance Company After Storm Damage – What You Need To Know
You wouldn’t think that storm damage would be an issue this late in the year, but four tornadoes recently passed through the Twin Cities. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of storm damage is the potential stress and trauma of dealing with a home owner’s insurance company. The first steps involve restoring power and/or water,…
Storm and Flooding Clean-Up Guidelines
Even though here in Minnesota we’re far-removed from the disastrous weather that has hit the East Coast, we still experience our share of treacherous weather, which can often result in damage to homes. With winter on the horizon, we would like to share some storm clean-up guidelines for you. Sub-zero temperatures can cause burst pipes,…
Part 3: Natural Disasters Can Strike Anywhere – Be Prepared
In the last of our series of emergency preparation tips, we’d like to share information with you to help cope with the dangers of harsh winter weather. Winter storms have hit the Northeast with severity, and here in Minnesota we’re no stranger to the problems of blizzards and heavy snowfalls. Here is some information to help…
Part 2: Natural Disasters Can Strike Anywhere – Be Prepared
In a previous post we shared with you some tips for being prepared in case of a natural disaster. Here are additional things you can do to be prepared in case of an emergency: Make a plan with your neighbors. Who will handle things if you are away from home when trouble hits? Make sure this…
Part 1: Natural Disasters Can Strike Anywhere – Be Prepared
Even though we’re a long way removed from the devastation on the East Coast as a result of Superstorm Sandy, those of you who have lived in Minnesota for awhile know that we are no strangers to severe weather. And as the extreme flooding in the Duluth area showed this spring, natural disaster can even…
If You’ve Suffered Roofing or Siding Damage, Insist on a Good Match with Your Insurance Company
Nearly every time there is a big hailstorm that blows through a town, some amount of damage is done, and the issue of matching repairs comes up when insurance claims are made. Some insurance companies will only pay to repair the damaged areas, but if that material is no longer available, they may substitute something…
Two Types of Insurance Adjusters – In Case of Storm Damage, Which One is Right for You?
Many people are not aware that they have the right to hire an independent adjuster if they are making an insurance claim for damage repairs following a storm. Your homeowner’s insurance company will have their adjuster assess your claim to determine the amount they will compensate you for in the event of a loss, but…

