Property owners face many concerns about their homes. If you want your home to be livable and increase in value, you must keep up with maintenance and cleaning tasks. However, unexpected events can cause significant damage to your home.
Storm damage is a common issue homeowners face. Although many homeowners insurance policies cover this type of loss, it is still a stressful situation. Let’s discuss how storm damage can affect your home and what solutions to take.
Types of Storms that Cause Damage
Many types of storms can affect your home or business. Hurricanes can cause strong winds that batter the outside of your home and damage the siding, shingles, or windows. Tornadoes can rip entire homes apart from high winds in certain parts of the country.
Thunderstorms are often associated with water damage. Winter and hail storms can also affect the structural components of a home’s exterior.
Assessing the Damage After a Storm
Whether your property was damaged by ice storms, intense winds, or flooding, it is essential to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
After the storm, conduct a thorough assessment to identify the visible and hidden damage to your property. If necessary, schedule a professional inspection to ensure there is no structural damage.
Common Types of Storm Damage
Storm damage may result in a multitude of problems with your property. One of the most vulnerable areas of your home during a storm is the roof, so check for roof damage if there have been hailstones or strong gales. Damaged siding, gutters, and downspouts could result in water damage if they are not repaired.
Broken windows and compromised doors are also common side effects of a bad storm. If a window has been shattered, make sure you find all the broken glass. Water leaks, flooding, or wind damage may cause interior damage in your home.
Structural repairs after a storm can be expensive, but they are necessary if the integrity of your house is in question. The walls, roof, and foundation are particularly vulnerable to storm damage.
The Storm Damage Repair Process
Storm damage restoration is essential after damage has been discovered. Otherwise, the issues could escalate and cost more money in the future. Here is a glimpse of how the restoration process may work.
Emergency Repairs
The first step in protecting your property is securing it from further damage, either by installing tarps on the roof or boarding up the windows. These measures ensure that the home does not sustain additional damage while the issues are assessed and repaired.
Insurance Claims
Next, you should consider filing a claim with your insurance company. Review your policy to determine what is covered, then complete the claims process with the insurance provider. Include documentation of the damage, such as photos or videos.
Research all deadlines to ensure your claim cannot be dismissed on these grounds. If the necessary repairs are extensive, coverage will save your bank account.
Working with a Restoration Company
After a severe weather event, you may need professional storm damage restoration services. These companies can return your property to its pre-loss condition and work with the insurance company to determine coverage.
Restoration and Reconstruction
Repairing your home is best left to the professionals because it may involve demolition, cleaning, disinfecting, and construction. Many companies can handle the entire restoration process to ensure a stress-free experience for the homeowner.
This process can include standing water removal, debris removal, mold remediation, renovations, roof repairs, foundational projects, and new construction.
Choosing a Storm Damage Restoration Company
The key to restoring your home properly is hiring the most qualified company that provides emergency services. Choose a company with extensive experience in handling storm damage. Research their licensing and verify your insurance coverage before committing to the company.
Look up reviews to understand the firm’s reputation and take advantage of written estimates and detailed contracts before signing with them.
Preventing Future Storm Damage
Through prevention practices, you can protect your home from many storm concerns. While these strategies cannot stop the weather, they can minimize the potential damage of a natural disaster.
Regular Home Maintenance
Owning a home is a responsibility that requires constant care and upkeep. Homeowners should expect to pay roughly 1% of the value of their home on repairs and maintenance each year. Regular roof inspections, clean gutters, and trimmed trees can reduce weather damage to your home.
Storm Preparedness
If you live in an area with extreme weather events, you should be aware of approaching storms. During the winter, try to clear your roof regularly so the snow weight does not grow too quickly. Secure loose objects if there are hurricanes or windstorms on the horizon. Always have an emergency plan for heavy rains if you live in a flood zone.
Strengthening Your Home
Strengthening your home against storms can reduce the need for future recovery services. If you live in storm-prone areas, consider installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows. Also, make sure windows and doorways are properly sealed to mitigate the risks of flood damage or heavy rains.
Contact a Storm Damage Repair Company
The restoration industry can provide solutions for homeowners who have experienced storm damage. PacWest Restoration has the expertise and equipment needed to repair your home after a bad storm. We can return the property to its pre-loss condition and work directly with your insurance provider to determine coverage and billing.
Call us today at 503-746-6545 or complete the online form to learn more about our recovery services or request a free assessment.
