The Big Freeze: What We're Seeing After This Weekend’s Storm

If you’re living anywhere near Columbia or Lexington, you don’t need me to tell you that this past weekend was rough. We all saw the forecast, but when those temperatures actually dipped into the teens and stayed there, it was a whole different story.

Since the thaw started, our phones haven't stopped ringing. We’ve been out in neighborhoods all over the area, and unfortunately, we're seeing the same thing over and over: burst pipes, flooded crawl spaces, and soggy drywall.

Why the "Thaw" is Actually the Scariest Part

A lot of homeowners didn't even realize they had a problem while it was still freezing outside. The water in the pipe freezes, expands, and cracks the metal or plastic—but it stays as a solid plug of ice. It’s only when things warm up that the ice melts and you suddenly have a geyser behind your kitchen wall or under your house.

By the time most people find the leak, the water has already had a few hours (or even a day) to soak into the subfloor and wick up into the insulation.

The Race Against Mold

In South Carolina, we have a "window" of about 24 to 48 hours before mold starts to get a foothold in damp areas. Because this storm hit so many houses at once, the risk is even higher. If you have water trapped in a dark, unventilated crawl space or behind a vanity, you aren't just looking at a plumbing repair—you’re looking at a potential health hazard for your family.

What We’ve Been Doing to Help

Our crews at Kingsley LLC have been on the road non-stop. When we show up to a "storm job," we aren't just there to mop. We’re doing:

• Thermal Imaging: We’re using infrared cameras to find water that the naked eye can’t see. Just because the carpet feels dry doesn't mean the padding underneath isn't a sponge.
• Industrial Drying: We’re setting up high-lift extractors and commercial dehumidifiers to pull every bit of moisture out of the air and the wood.
• Structural Saving: Our goal is always to dry your home in place. If we get there fast enough, we can often save your floors and walls without having to tear your house apart.
• Insurance Coordination: We know how stressed everyone is right now. We’ve been documenting everything—photos, moisture readings, equipment logs—so our customers have exactly what they need for their insurance claims.

If You’re Still Drying Out...

If you found a leak this morning or your crawl space looks like a lake, please don't wait for it to "air dry." With the humidity we have, it just won't happen fast enough on its own.

We’re local, we’re family-owned, and we’re here to help our neighbors get through the mess this storm left behind. We’re available 24/7, so if you need us, just reach out.