You realize that your home has suffered damage after a storm.
You know that there will be a list of things you will need to do in the long term. Make sure that you are covered for the short term as well. There are immediate steps you can take to prevent further damage so that you have less to worry about in the weeks to follow.
A word of caution is in order before you review the list below. Do not take any action unless it is safe to do so. It can be tempting to push yourself to fix damage right away because your home is at stake. However, you do not want to add an injury to the list of things you are dealing with after storm damage to your home. If you can make the repair safely, make sure you invest in the right safety equipment for the job you are performing.
Remember to document any damage before taking the steps below.
Here is a list of short-term actions that will help minimize long-term damage after a storm hits:
1) Remove Water
Standing water can lead to mold and pest issues. First, always assume any standing water is contaminated. Protect yourself with waterproof boots or waders and gloves. There are several ways to remove water. The most efficient way is with a shop-vac or a water pump that is designed to suck up water. If that is not an option, buckets will work as well. The goal is to remove as much water as you can as quickly as possible.
2) Make Temporary Repairs to Windows
Broken windows can be addressed in several different ways. If the window is cracked, you can tape over the crack with duct tape or packing tape. If your windows are shattered, you will want to remove as much glass as possible. Protect yourself from injury by wearing thick gloves and strong soled shoes. Sweep or vacuum up any loose glass. Once the loose glass is removed, cover the window by using plastic and tape or plywood.
Experthomereport.com has the Best Temporary Fixes for a Broken Window.
3) Make Temporary Repairs to the Roof
Roof damage is addressed if it is safely accessible. Even temporary repairs to a roof will probably need a professional. You may be able to nail loose shingles back into place to prevent smaller leaks. Mastic or roofing cement can be applied over a leak. It should be pushed into any holes or cracks and spread a couple of inches around the area. Tarps can also be used to cover larger areas.
Bobvilla.com offers additional tips in the article Solved! What to Do About a Leaky Roof.
4) Remove Debris
Storms bring down branches and scatter anything that may be outside at the time. Remove as much debris as you can and do it as quickly as possible. Additional strong winds can pick up debris and cause more problems. Even weaker wind or rain can cause debris to wreak havoc on your landscaping and yard. Failure to remove debris can also put your family at risk of injury.
Do what you can to start the recovery process should a storm bring damage to your doorstep. If you cannot do it safely or there is simply too much to do, it is time to bring in the right professionals to do it for you.
Let our Dynasty Restoration, Inc, team take care of your storm repair. We can provide you with mitigation services to protect your home from further damage.
