Do you really want to know what you need to know about property damage repairs?
Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, or landlord, the last thing you want to deal with is property damage repair. Even when it’s something unpredictable like storm damage, it’s at the bottom of the “want to do” list. So just to make it even more unappealing, here are 4 things you probably don’t want to hear about property damage repair, but we’re going to tell you anyway.
#1 Thing You Don’t Want to Hear: Flooding
Yep, flooding. It’s one of the most common types of storm damage. But you know what else? It doesn’t always happen because of a whole bunch of rain. Sometimes it can happen from a slow leak and water just builds up over time. If you have roof damage from hail, water can seep in. High winds can damage siding allowing water in, and even damage to gutters and downspouts from previous storms can make a small storm cause a lot of damage by mis-routing rainwater.
When it comes to storm damage repairs, flooding requires immediate attention. Mold and mildew can start growing in less than a day, and water left untreated can build up bacteria and cause additional damage to the structure of the building as well as to its contents.
#2 Thing You Don’t Want to Hear: Fire
Nothing scares the pants off a homeowner or property owner like the thought of fire damage. The loss of personal items and the risk and danger of fire aside, the property damage can be extensive, and even catastrophic, sometimes causing total loss. Fire from storm damage is not as common as other causes, but if lightning strikes the building directly it can start a fire. It’s also possible for lighting to strike an area or element of the building and cause it to become so hot it then starts a fire.
Repair for fire damage can be extensive, even for minor damage, and needs to include water extraction, structural stabilization, smoke cleaning, air scrubbers, and ozone treatment, to name a few.
#3 Thing You Don’t Want to Hear: Trees
One of the things that happens during storms, whether they’re thunderstorms with high wind, tropical storms, or ice storms, is damage to trees. They can be uprooted and fall onto cars and buildings, or branches can break and fall onto landscaping, outdoor furniture, fences, and outbuildings. And let’s not forget about those power lines. That’s a common one, losing power because of power lines brought down by tree branches.
It’s vital to have trees and branches removed properly when dealing with the cleanup from a storm-induced tree massacre. Branches can’t just be cut and dragged away. Cutting them incorrectly can cause them to fall further or onto other things below, and dragging them off can cause more damage. They need to be lifted off by a crane and a professional that knows what they’re doing.
#4 Thing You Don’t Want to Hear: Expensive Repairs
Restoration from storm damage is like any other repairs, it takes time, labor, equipment, and money. The good news is that your insurance should cover it, as long as you have the right coverage. So check your policy now! If you’re not covered for flooding, storm damage, mold, and fire, then get covered. It will save your finances in the long run.
Storm damage doesn’t have to be a deal ender when it comes to property, whether it’s being used by renters, owned by homeowners, or managed by landlords. Knowing what to do when it happens is the key to successful recovery.
