Off-Campus Housing Suffers Major Water Damage After Deep Freeze, CRC Restores Property and Ensures Safety

Winter Storm Uri brought one of the most extreme weather events in recent memory to the region. A powerful cold front caused temperatures in Northwest Arkansas to stay below freezing for several days, with Fayetteville reaching its coldest temperature ever recorded, -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with the freezing temperatures, the region experienced nearly half a foot of snow, making it one of the snowiest Februarys on record. The storm led to widespread disruptions, including gas outages, school closures, and burst pipes.

At an off-campus student housing community in Fayetteville, the freezing weather caused major plumbing damage. Sprinkler lines and domestic pipes throughout the property froze and burst, affecting seven buildings and 25 units. Students were displaced and forced to attend virtual classes until the damage could be mitigated and repairs completed. CRC was called in to address the situation, managing the mitigation and reconstruction efforts to restore the property.

CHALLENGES AND OBJECTIVES

The scale and complexity of the damage created several challenges that CRC needed to address. First and foremost, the property’s plumbing systems, including both domestic and sprinkler lines, were severely damaged by the freezing temperatures. The pipes in the bathrooms, particularly those on exterior walls, were especially vulnerable due to inadequate insulation. Nearly every pipe in the complex was affected, resulting in extensive water damage. This meant that CRC had to open walls in every building from the first to the third floor to access and repair the plumbing.

Additionally, the property was occupied by students, which presented logistical challenges. Coordination was required to manage the displaced students and minimize disruption, as they had to find temporary accommodations and attend virtual classes until their housing was repaired. The project also involved working in occupied units, which required careful planning to allow students to continue with minimal interference. Further complicating the situation, every time the water systems were turned back on, additional pipe failures occurred, making it a continuous challenge to resolve all issues. On top of that, the team had to navigate the difficult winter conditions, which included significant snow coverage and limited accessibility.

HOW CRC RESPONDED

CRC responded swiftly and strategically to the challenges presented by the extreme weather event. Upon arrival, the first priority was to shut off all water lines and conduct a thorough inspection of the damage. Given the widespread plumbing failures, including both domestic and sprinkler pipes, CRC immediately implemented a fire watch protocol. Since the water was turned off and the sprinkler system was rendered inoperable, our team conducted hourly inspections of the property to monitor for potential fire hazards and ensure the buildings remained safe. This proactive measure was critical in preventing fire-related incidents during the restoration process.

In addition to addressing safety concerns, CRC developed a detailed plan for the reconstruction work. While some students were displaced due to the severity of the damage, others were able to remain in less affected or unaffected apartments. This required careful coordination and the need to work around occupied units. CRC worked closely with the property managers to ensure students in these units had minimal disruption, allowing them to continue attending virtual classes while repairs were underway.

The reconstruction process involved extensive demolition to access the damaged pipes, particularly in bathrooms located on exterior walls. CRC’s team performed air and water quality tests throughout the project to ensure safety and minimize any risks. As the water systems were gradually turned back on, the team remained vigilant, responding quickly to any new pipe breaks. Throughout the entire project, CRC maintained constant communication with the property managers to ensure the safety of the residents and the swift progress of repairs.

Results

CRC overcame numerous challenges to complete the property restoration in just over two and a half months. The team took a comprehensive approach, fully repairing and replacing all damaged pipes, including the sprinkler lines, and restoring the property to its original condition. To prevent future issues with frozen pipes, CRC installed proper insulation in key areas. The team carried out the restoration process with minimal disruption, allowing students to return to their housing as soon as repairs were finished. Throughout the project, CRC upheld strict safety standards, conducting air quality tests and ensuring the building remained safe for occupancy. The team completed the project on time and within the expected timeframe, showcasing CRC’s ability to manage large-scale restoration work despite severe weather conditions.

Facing water-related property damage and need assistance? Call CRC at 855-584-7887.