Storms can cause major damage to homes, leaving behind broken windows, damaged roofs, flooded basements, and more. Repairing storm damage quickly is crucial to prevent further deterioration and restore your home’s structural integrity and livability.
The Fort Lauderdale Government has approved more than $156.4 million to assist households, disaster loans, and flood insurance payments, according to recent statistics.
As the frequency of powerful storms increases, homeowners need to be ready to respond promptly when damage arises. Below are ten tips to help you safely and effectively repair common storm damage to your home.
Hire Professionals for Safety and Quality Repairs
We recommend hiring professional repair companies or experts after a storm to assess the damage and make necessary repairs. If you’re inexperienced, fixing major issues yourself can be risky, and DIY repairs may not meet standards.
Licensed professionals like roofers, electricians, and water damage repair experts have the skills, equipment, and knowledge to repair storm damage safely and correctly so that your home’s structure and systems are restored to their pre-storm condition.
We suggest contacting Flood Pros to assess the damages and get quotes on repairs.
Even if hiring contractors seems expensive, their work will prevent much larger expenses down the road from further damage or deterioration. For your family’s safety and peace of mind, hire experienced professionals.
Tips for Repairing Storm Damage
Here are ten tips to guide you through the process of repairing common types of storm damage:
1. Assess the Damage and Address Immediate Threats
Walk around your home, inside and out, to get a full picture of the damage. Look for roof leaks, broken windows and doors, exterior wall cracks, and fallen trees or branches.
Focus first on damage that threatens safety or the home’s structure, like roof leaks, exposed electrical wires, or broken windows. Temporarily cover holes, turn off electricity at the main breaker if needed, and take plenty of photos for insurance claims.
2. Repair Roof Damage to Prevent Further Leaks
Storms often damage roof shingles, flashings, and underlying structures. Look for missing, cracked, or loose shingles, gaps around flashing, and water stains or leaks inside the home.
You may be able to make minor repairs for a few damaged shingles, but for extensive damage like multiple missing shingles or damage around vents, chimneys, or valleys, hire a licensed professional roofer to inspect and make more complex repairs to prevent further water infiltration and interior damage.
3. Replace Broken Windows and Doors
Secure your home by replacing broken windowpanes or cracked glass immediately. Board up holes temporarily if needed. For door damage beyond superficial cracks, you will likely need to replace the entire door and, potentially, the door frame.
Consult your insurance provider about coverage, and hire a professional window/door installer for significant damage rather than trying to replace doors and large windows yourself.
4. Seal Exterior Wall Cracks
Use caulk or sealant to fill small cracks in exterior walls caused by high winds. For loose siding, buckled wall surfaces, gaps between siding panels, or large cracks wider than 1/4 inch, seek professional siding repair to restore structural integrity and weatherproofing.
They can resecure loose panels, replace damaged sections, and properly seal around windows, doors, and openings.
5. Address Structural Damage Safely
Consult a structural engineer immediately if you notice major issues like leaning walls, shifting foundations, or cracks wider than 1/2 inch.
They can assess the damage and provide repair recommendations using temporary bracing or reinforcements. Structural damage should only be repaired by licensed, experienced contractors.
DIY attempts to level foundations or shore up walls can worsen issues or cause collapse. Safety comes first.
6. Dry Out Interior Water Damage
Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry out wet interiors as soon as possible. Remove soaked carpets, padding, furnishings, and drywall to prevent mold growth, and consult your insurance for damage claims.
For flooding over 1/2 inch deep or in multiple rooms, hire professional water damage remediation to extract standing water, dry surfaces thoroughly, and sanitize against mold. They have specialized equipment to dry hidden moisture.
7. Repair Damage to Outbuildings and Landscaping
Inspect sheds, garages, fences, and landscaping for damage. Remove fallen tree limbs. For minor repairs to fencing sections, you may handle them yourself, but for more extensive damage involving multiple posts or panels, it is advisable to hire a contractor. Repairing damage to outbuildings and landscaping is essential for maintaining the overall aesthetics and functionality of the property. By addressing these issues promptly, property owners can enhance the value of their land and create a more inviting environment for guests and residents alike.
8. Restore Power Safely
If electrical systems are compromised, turn off power at the main breaker until electrical repairs are made.
Replace any detached cables, broken conduits, or damaged meter boxes yourself, but hire a licensed electrician for issues like exposed wires, damaged service panels, or the need to rewire entire circuits.
They are capable of safely restoring power and ensuring that electrical systems meet the necessary standards.
9. Clean Up Debris Promptly and Safely
Remove debris like broken branches, damaged exterior materials, and destroyed personal property promptly to prevent safety hazards. Wear protective gear when cleaning up debris containing nails, glass, or other hazards.
Check with local officials about programs that assist with trash disposal. Professionals can help remove large quantities of debris or hazardous materials like asbestos siding.
10. Prevent Future Damage
Once repairs are complete, take steps to weatherproof and fortify your home against future storms. Inspect and prune trees, install storm shutters, brace garage doors, and clear gutters and downspouts.
Review your insurance policy annually and document valuable possessions. Hire contractors to make upgrades like reinforcing the roof, anchoring the foundation, and installing impact-resistant windows.
Prevention saves money and headaches down the road.
Conclusion
Storms can wreak havoc on homes in a matter of minutes. By acting quickly after a storm to make necessary repairs, you can restore your home’s structural integrity, protect the interior from further damage, and improve safety for your family.
Focus first on the most critical issues, like water infiltration and electrical safety. It is wise to consult professionals for significant damage to roofs, windows, structures, and water systems to ensure that repairs comply with building codes and prevent larger issues in the future.
With prompt, proper maintenance and preventative upgrades, you can minimize disruption and quickly get your family back home after even the most damaging storms.