Tips for Repairing Storm Damage

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Tips for Repairing Storm Damage

Storm damage can come in the form of fallen trees, roof damage, and interrupted electrical service.  The good news is that most storm damage repair jobs are low-skill projects that do not require an extensive level of knowledge or experience to handle on your own.

Even a fairly small tree has the potential to cause substantial damage during a storm if it falls onto a home or other property. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take after a tree has fallen into your yard to help prevent further problems from developing.

Assess How Much Damage Has the Storm Caused

The first thing to do after a storm is to assess how much damage it has caused to your property. This will give you a good idea about how much money you might have to spend on the repairs and restoration. So it is always good to have insurance for such cases.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Check with your insurance agent before starting repairs. Insurance coverage is dependent upon the type of storm, its location and other factors. Some types of damage may not be insured.

Document all storm-related damages to your home or building using photographs or video before making any repairs. This will provide a full record of damage for future reference should it become necessary to file an insurance claim later.

Only Focus on the Things That Are Actually Damaged During the Storm

Repair only those areas that are immediately damaged; stop further damage by boarding up broken windows, covering exposed outdoor electrical wiring or gas lines, etc., as soon as possible after the event has passed. Dispose of debris promptly in order to avoid mosquito breeding sites. Keep children away from dangerous materials such as broken glass, tarp-covered tree branches and other hazards.

Seal Holes in Foundation, Roof and Siding to Stop Water from Going In

Make sure to properly repair all holes in the roof and walls due to fallen trees or wind gusts. These holes can not only let water seep in but they can create easy access points for wasps, bees and other insects that could be attracted to water inside your home's damaged walls or foundation.

Repair Tree Damage to Your Property As Soon As It's Safe to Do So

One of the best ways to prevent more damage is to get damaged trees off of your property as quickly as possible. If there is a lot of damage, it may be wise to contact an arborist for advice and assistance if needed.

Hire a Professional to help you with the restoration

Storm damage is not always an easy task to take on yourself.  Hire a professional if you feel intimidated or do not have the time to deal with the cleanup and repairs your property may require after a storm. SERVPRO can help you with the restoration of your property after a storm has caused its destruction.