Did your home suffer storm damage from last night? Are you in need of guidance when it comes to storm cleanup jobs? In this article, we’re explaining everything you need to know about storm damage.
First, we’ll give you a brief overview of what storm damage is
Storm damage refers to damage that is caused to property or infrastructure as a result of a storm. Storms can cause damage through high winds, heavy rain, lightning, and hail.
Storm damage can range from broken tree limbs and fallen trees to more severe damage, such as structural damage to buildings, flooding, and power outages. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events can also cause storm damage.
Storms can cause a lot of damage to your home and property. You might find that your home is victim to damage, such as fire damage, smoke damage, water damage (which could lead to mold damage), and biohazard damage. All of these can lead to costly renovations and restoration cleanup processes.
Several types of storms can cause damage to your home
- Thunderstorms – These storms can produce high winds and hail, which can cause damage to your roof, windows, and siding. But that’s not all; thunderstorms can run amuck through your property and destroy your landscaping.
- Tornadoes – These storms are characterized by strong, rotating winds that can cause significant damage to homes and other structures.
- Hurricanes – These storms bring strong winds and heavy rain, which can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures, such as barns, sheds, and garages.
- Winter storms – These storms can bring strong winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures, which can damage roofs, pipes, and other structures. Winter storms can also lead to water damage. Hefty amounts of snow will often melt and cause problems that are water related.
- Floods – These storms can cause water to enter your home and cause damage to walls, floors, and foundations. It can also take out structures, such as barns and sheds. Floods can also be the cause of heavily damaged landscaping.
All of these storms can cause a variety of damages to homes, including
- Damage to the roof – High winds can lift and remove shingles from your roof, leading to leaks and water damage.
- Damage to windows – Hail can crack or break windows, and high winds can cause objects to be thrown against windows and break them.
- Damage to siding – Hail can dent or crack siding, and high winds can loosen or remove siding from your home.
- Damage to trees – Thunderstorms can cause branches to fall and damage your home.
- Flooding – Heavy rain can cause water to enter your home through leaks in the roof or foundation, causing water damage.
It’s essential to be prepared for storms by securing loose items around your home, having an emergency kit, and knowing what to do if you need to evacuate. In addition, if you experience storm damage, it’s important to document the damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Before you jump into the storm damage cleanup process, here are a few steps to get you started on the right foot
- Stay safe – Wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, to protect yourself from hazardous materials. If you smell or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call the gas company.
- Document the damage – Take photos and videos of the damage to your home. This will be helpful for insurance purposes and to help you remember what needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Make temporary repairs – If your home is damaged, make quick repairs to prevent further damage. This might include covering holes in the roof with a tarp or boarding up broken windows.
- Remove debris – Carefully remove any debris from your home and yard. This might include broken branches, roof shingles, and other debris scattered around your property.
- Dry out your home – If your home has been flooded, dry it out as soon as possible to prevent mold growth. Use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out your home.
- Contact your insurance company – If you have insurance, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to help you assess the damage and begin the process of making repairs.
Last but not least
- Hire professionals – If the damage to your home is significant, it’s essential to hire professionals to help with the cleanup and repair process. This might include a general contractor, an electrician, or a plumber.
There are several reasons why you should hire a professional to clean up storm damage in your home
- Safety – Cleaning up after a storm can be dangerous. There may be hazards such as broken glass, exposed wires, and hazardous debris. A professional will have the necessary training and equipment to clean up the damage safely.
- Efficiency – Professionals have the experience and resources to clean up and repair the damage to your home quickly and efficiently. This will help you get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
- Expertise – Professionals have the expertise to assess the damage and determine the necessary repairs properly. They will also be able to identify potential problems you might not know to look for.
- Insurance – Many insurance companies require that a professional assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. Hiring a professional will help ensure that your insurance claim is handled correctly.
- Quality work – A professional can complete the repairs to a high standard, ensuring that your home is restored and safe.
Hiring a professional to clean up and repair storm damage in your home will save you time, effort, and potential headaches. It’s also a worthwhile investment to ensure that your home is restored correctly and safe to live in.
Now is the time to contact Western Disaster Clean Up. We are available 24/7, so call us at (385) 375-2963, and our trained professionals will return your home to its original state in no time.
