Types Of Storm Damage And How To Deal With It
Many homes suffer the aftermath of storm damage, compromising the structural integrity and overall safety conditions. It always pays to prepare and have options as to how to deal with the consequences
We hope our homes can withstand the various types of storm damage, but that’s not always the case. Knowing what kind of damage you can expect for each storm you weather is important. Of course, you’ll also want to check what type of insurance policy you have as well.
Storm Damage And Preparedness
Anytime a storm approaches, we feel a great deal of angst and concern over property damage. During these trying times, it’s crucial to ensure you know what types of storm damage you can face. And how to best deal with them.
A strong gust of wind can do more damage than you realize. Similarly, a heavy blanket of snow can wreak havoc on your roof. As a homeowner, you’ll want to make sure you know what types of storm damage you might face. And what to do when it does.
Regardless of the season, especially in the winter, bad weather can damage your home. It pays to protect your home and loved ones. Below, we will look at various storm damage types and what you can do to prepare for and deal with the aftermath.
1 – Wind and Gusts
Wind damage can be extensive and can occur virtually anywhere in the US. The effects are not only limited to the structure but also to the surrounding landscape as well. Falling debris and power lines can cause extensive damage to your home and property.
After the storm, assess the extent of the damage and the areas most affected. In extreme cases, strong winds can loosen large branches from trees, and even small tree branches can cause extensive damage to your home and property.
It pays to access your property and trees to remove low-hanging branches and debris. If you can, call professionals to clean up your property before you experience storm damage.
Again, if you do experience damage to your home from strong winds, you’ll want to consider hiring pros to assess and repair the damage. Some types of damage can include siding and roof issues, denting, or blowing shingles off your roof. Strong winds can also blow an entire tree onto your home or vehicles.
Luckily, many folks can do repairs themselves, especially if they are handy. If not, it’s best to consult with a specialist in your area for estimates for storm damage repairs. Make sure you get at least 2-3 estimates before locking down a commitment. Also, make sure the company you use is reliable and has good references too.
2 – Water Damage From A Rainstorm
Water damage can cause some of the worst destruction in our homes and on our property. Furthermore, melted snow or heavy rains cause more damage than we realize. Often, the damage caused lies deep within the structure of our homes.
For example, Virginia is commonly visited by this type of thunderstorm, and AWS Restorations roofing out of Chantilly, VA, can quickly assist you in dealing with the damages brought about by these events. Chantilly gets over 42 inches of rain yearly, which is above the national average of 33 inches, so you can expect some of the damages to your roof attributed to rainfall.
Moreover, you can make sure you clean your gutters and downspouts, install French drains and sump pumps, and do a roof health checkup. This way, you can ensure your home is in good condition and prepared for storm damage.
3 – Hail Storms
Did you know more than seven million homes in 2019 experienced damage from hail storms? We can see more than 5,000 hail storms across our country annually. In 2019, the damage also caused more than $13 billion in property damage. The state of Texas experiences the most property damage, including Colorado and Nebraska as well.
Aside from rain, Chantilly also experiences hail storms. In the past twelve months, 35 warnings have been issued in and around the area. Hail storms are one of the most violent weather disturbances and can affect not just your roof but also the siding of your home. If you see dark spots on your roof, it usually means that roofing granules experienced damage.
In addition, this can cause extensive damage when left alone. Restoration experts can quickly identify damaged areas and provide the necessary repairs to your home. Hail and debris from a wind storm can cause impact damages that can easily cause significant damage to your property. You can always turn to professionals when dealing with damage caused by storm damage.
Of course, you’ll want to contact your insurance company to ensure you have proper hail damage coverage. Typically, most standard home insurance covers this type of storm damage. Again, this depends on where you live and your policy parameters.
4 – Winter Storm Damage
Depending on where you live, you can expect snowfall around the national average and snowstorms. For places where the temperature drops in winter, it’s essential to know that ice trapped above can cause leaks and molds. After a snowstorm, be careful when climbing into the attic or checking roof gutters, as heavy snow can damage the roof and bend the edges between the roof and the wall.
It’s vital to deal with the damage as soon as possible. Allowing the damages to sit for months on end would be a safety hazard and cause further wreckage of the structure. If you have a business, you’ll have additional losses due to the suspension of operations. Call your local professional restoration experts to get a quote and have the work done immediately.
Below, you’ll find a winter storm checklist. It’s a good idea to survey your home and property every year.
- Survey Rooftop – check for ear and tear, loose shingles, or any other visible damage. Create a checklist and take pictures of the issues.
- Maintain your Furnace – Change your air filters and have a technician inspect your furnace annually.
- Clean your chimney – carbon monoxide may accumulate in your house if you don’t clean your chimney properly.
- Prune Bushes, Shrubs, and Trees – Branches may become brittle and quickly die or weaken with the cold temperatures. Thus, they can break easily, leading to damage of property nearby. The weight of snow and ice combined with wind from winter storms may also cause breakages, which may end up damaging homes.
- Keep Your Pipes Warm – When water expands, it quickly goes from a liquid to a solid and can cause water pipes to burst. Pressure buildup can happen between the ice blockages. Make sure you close faucets that can burst the pipes, leading to damage. Pad any exposed pipes as well. Also, turn all outside faucets off.
- Inspect Your Gutters – Look for structural damages and have them repaired immediately. If necessary, install snow guards.
- Inspect all Windows and Doors. Make sure your exterior windows and doors are in good condition.
In Closing
In any event, it’s always best to create a checklist and keep it on hand. Practicing these storm disaster steps will help you weather any storm headed your way and keep your home and family safe.
Sanitize And Clean With Raycop Go Portable UVC Vacuum
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to sanitize and clean your home. Luckily, you can do it easily with the Raycop Go Portable UVC Vacuum. During these challenging times, we want to make sure our homes are clean and sanitized. Plus, you can safely clean your phone, car and plane seat, hotel room, luggage, and more.
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