Category: Home Restoration

5 Common Types of Hurricane Damage

Posted on by Michael Frey
hurricane damage

Hurricanes are unpredictable, ferocious natural disasters that can wreak havoc on coastal communities. The peak of hurricane season is from mid-August to mid-October, and while major hurricanes have struck the Atlantic coast in September, they may occur at any time of the year. A hurricane can cause a variety of different types of damage to your home and property. As with any natural disaster, preparation is the key to keeping your property safe from storm damage. These 5 common types of hurricane damage and how you can prepare for them.

Roof and Wall Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes can cause many types of roof damage, including shingles being torn off, the metal roof being lifted off, and the roof structure collapsing. Structural damage to your roof can lead to severe water and structural damage inside your home. The best way to prevent roof damage is to make sure that your roof is in good shape before the hurricane hits. If you have any loose or missing shingles, nail them back down. If you have a metal roof, make sure the screws are secure. You may want to secure it with hurricane straps, as well. The best way to prevent water damage caused by roof damage is to make sure that you have an emergency supply kit with items such as a tarp, a shovel, and sandbags.

Flooding

floods and hurricane damage

Hurricanes typically cause flooding, which can damage your property and leave behind hazardous mold and bacteria that can cause illness. Flooding may occur if the storm surge pushes water from the ocean into the land, or if heavy rain causes flooding in rivers and lakes. To reduce the risk of flooding, you can take a few precautions such as installing flood alarms and flood shutters and building your property up above the flood line. If you live near a body of water, make sure you clear away any debris that could clog the drainage system.

Tree Damage

Trees may be toppled by strong winds during a hurricane, and they may damage your roof, walls, and property if they fall the wrong way. The best way to prevent tree damage is to plant trees that are resistant to strong winds such as cypress, palms, and eucalyptus trees, and to maintain your trees. Make sure that your trees are pruned, and any vines or branches are trimmed back. Once a hurricane is approaching, make sure to clear any branches and vines from your trees. You may also want to place netting over your trees or plant them in pots to protect them from heavy wind.

Structural Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes may cause structural damage to your home if the building is not built correctly or if it is not maintained properly. Structural damage can happen in many ways, including the roof or walls collapsing, water damage causing the foundation to deteriorate, and flooding causing damage to the electrical system. The best way to prevent structural damage is to make sure your home is built correctly and that you maintain it regularly. Make sure that your home has strong, sturdy walls and a solid foundation. Make sure your roof is installed correctly and that your electrical system has been inspected by a professional. Once a hurricane is approaching, make sure all loose items are secured. You may also want to consider boarding up your windows if you live in a particularly vulnerable area.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are the first line of defense against hurricanes. If the windows and doors are not well-sealed, water may enter your home and cause damage. The best way to prevent storm damage to your windows and doors is to make sure they are installed correctly and maintained regularly. Make sure your windows have strong locks and that your doors are made of strong materials, such as metal. Once a hurricane is approaching, make sure your windows and doors are secure. You may also want to consider boarding up your windows with plywood or storm shutters if they are not stormproof.

Conclusion

Hurricanes are unpredictable, ferocious natural disasters that can wreak havoc on coastal communities. If you and your family suffer severe storm damage of any kind, contact your local Steamatic branch, today.

What to Do After a House Flood

Posted on by Michael Frey
house-flood-steamatic

Many parts of the United States are dealing with severe flooding. Floods are one of nature’s most devastating natural disasters and can potentially destroy your home. If you ever fall victim to severe flooding, it will be difficult to figure out what your first steps should be. Luckily, the experts at Steamatic are here to walk you through the first steps you should take after a house flood.

1. If Possible, Turn off the Electricity

Remember, water and electricity do not mix. At all. If you can reach it safely, find your breaker box and turn off all the power in your home. In the event of a house flood, electricity poses one of the largest dangers.

2. Put on Protective Gear

If you have waterproof boots, waders, gloves, or masks, put them on before walking through any standing water. If there is severe flooding in your area, there is a good chance there is sewage, trash, and other forms of waste in the water. This makes it very likely the water contains bacteria and other forms of dangerous pathogens.

4. Make Sure Your House is Structurally Sound

People often underestimate the destructive capabilities of water. Heavy floods have the potential to knock down walls, damage foundations, and even cause your home to collapse. If you smell gas, notice any buckled walls, dropping ceilings, or other structural flaws; get out of your house immediately. Safety is the most important thing here.

3. Stop the Water Source

If the flood is the result of heavy rains or backed-up storm drains, this may not be possible. However, if the flood resulted from a burst pipe or broken appliance, shut off the water in your home. The sooner your home stops filling up with water, the sooner you can start cleaning up

4. Document the Damage Caused by the House Flood

If it is safe to remain in your home and you plan on filing an insurance claim, make sure you document any damage in your home. Before you start the clean-up process, take photos and videos of the damage. This will make it much easier to file a claim with your insurance company.

5. Attempt to Minimize Loss

After you ensure it is safe to remain in the building, begin salvaging what you can. determine what personal belonging you can salvage and gather them in a dry location. For any items that you cannot save, be sure to take pictures, and note when they were purchased and their approximate value. This is important: If items have been exposed to flood waters for over 48 hours, they are no longer safe to keep. They most likely are contaminated with mold.

6. Attempt to increase Airflow and Call the Steamatic Restoration Experts

Start opening all the windows and doors in your home. This will start drying things out and begin draining the water. After this is done, call the water damage restoration experts at Steamatic. Our 24/7 capabilities ensure we respond immediately to stop further damage from occurring. Steamatic uses state-of-the-art drying and monitoring equipment to make sure the structure and contents are completely dry. Contact a Steamatic location near you for immediate water damage restoration services.