Storms can do a lot of damage to your property, like bringing down trees, causing floods, and structural damage that can make it hard to use your home or business. It can be hard to deal with the damage after a storm, but if you know how to go about the repair process, you can get back to normal as quickly and safely as possible. If you’re not sure what to do after the storm, here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly fix up your property, with a focus on the role of a repair company in the process.
1. Ensure Safety First
Before considering any repair work, your safety should be the top priority. Storms can leave behind hazards such as weakened structures, electrical issues, and sharp debris. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your safety:
- Inspect for structural damage: Check for cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors. Avoid areas with sagging ceilings or exposed wires.
- Shut off utilities: That way, no one gets hurt and no more damage is done. Turn off the gas, power, and water if you think there are gas leaks or floods.
- Avoid walking in water: If your area has flooded, avoid walking in standing water. Water may be contaminated and could hide dangerous debris.
2. Assess the Damage
Once you’ve ensured your home is safe to enter, start assessing the damage. Walk through each room and take note of what’s been affected. It’s important to document the damage thoroughly by taking photographs or videos.
- Water damage: Most of the time, storms cause this kind of damage, like floods, leaks, and roof damage. If you don’t fix the problem right away, water can seep into the walls, floors, and flooring, which can cause mold to grow.
- Wind damage: High winds can break windows, rip off roofs, or cause trees to fall, resulting in significant damage.
- Fire damage: Lightning strikes can cause fires during storms, damaging the structure and belongings inside your home.
3. Contact a Restoration Company
Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time to contact a professional restoration company. Restoration companies specialize in storm damage repair and recovery and can help you navigate the cleanup process efficiently. Their knowledge, tools, and equipment allow them to do everything from getting rid of water and mold to fixing structures.
A reliable restoration company will assist you with:
- Water removal and drying: After a flood or leak, it’s essential to remove all water and moisture from the property. If left untreated, water can cause permanent damage to your floors, walls, and foundation.
- Mold remediation: Within 24 to 48 hours of being exposed to water, mold can start to grow. A restoration company will use specialized equipment to eliminate mold and prevent its recurrence.
- Fire and smoke damage repair: If the storm caused a fire, restoration companies can clean and restore damaged furniture, walls, and appliances. They also help remove the soot and smoke odors that can linger.
- Structural repairs: A restoration company can help restore structural integrity by repairing or replacing damaged roofs, siding, windows, and other parts of your home.
4. Work with Your Insurance Provider
There is a process you need to go through with your insurance company in order for them to pay for storm damage. Call your insurance company right away after getting pictures of the damage. Your insurance company may send an estimator to look at the damage more closely after you file a claim.
You should stay in touch with both your insurance company and the repair company. The repair company might help speed up the claims process by providing paperwork and pictures of the damage.
5. Prevent Future Damage
Once your property is fixed up, you should take steps to keep it from getting damaged again. Here are some preventive measures to consider:
- Maintain your roof: Check and fix your roof on a regular basis to make sure it’s in good shape.
- Install storm shutters: Protect your windows from strong winds and debris by installing storm shutters.
- Clear gutters and drains: Clear out your gutters and drains of any trash to make sure water flows smoothly and avoid flooding.
- Trim trees: Trim branches and remove weak trees that could fall during future storms.
Conclusion
It can be hard to get your property back to normal after a storm, but if you hire a professional repair company, you can get it done quickly and easily. Restoration professionals know how to fix everything from water damage to structure issues and can get your home back to how it was before. Remember that safety should always come first, and don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from a reputable repair company. By doing these things, you’ll not only make sure that your property is fixed up, but you’ll also be protecting your home from storm damage in the future.