4 Unseen Effects of Storm Damage
A devastating storm can rip apart buildings. Storm damage in Lake County is a property owner’s worst nightmare. Some types of damages caused by storms are easy to notice, while other types can go undetected. If storm damage goes unaddressed for too long, your property’s structure can deteriorate and you may end up spending several hundred, even thousands of dollars on repairs.
After a storm, watch out for these effects of storm damage.
Structural Damage
A storm can cause structural damage in several ways. High winds can potentially cause your walls, roof, or the building’s entire structures to collapse. They can also turn unsecured objects into projectiles that can damage your property. Lightning strikes during a storm can cause electrical surges that may damage electronic equipment and your roof or wooden structures may catch fire. An uncontrolled fire can cause serious, even irreversible damage to your structures. A strong storm can cause trees and other debris to fall on your property, damaging your roof and windows.
Water Damage
Heavy rains during a storm can lead to flooding, which can erode soil, and cause mold growth in your property. If cracks have developed in your foundation, water can seep into them, potentially causing structural damage. Mold is unsightly and can cause a number of health problems. Intense rain and hail during a storm can damage roofs, leading to leaks. Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage to your building’s interior, including ceilings, walls, and floors.
During a storm, debris such as leaves, rocks, sticks can end up being carried into your sewer causing a blockage. When water is unable to flow freely, it exerts pressure on your pipes, causing them to burst. Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage.
Contamination
If the municipal sewer system serving your area becomes overwhelmed and clogged during a storm, sewage water can enter your property. Sewage water is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition to causing damage to your items and possibly your foundation, sewage water can adversely affect your health. As flood water subsides, it can leave behind contaminants.
Electrical Hazards
High winds, heavy rain, and lightning during a storm can damage your electrical system causing a power outage. When power is restored, there can be a sudden surge in electricity demand, which can overload circuits, potentially starting a fire.
Strong winds and falling trees can bring down overhead power lines, creating a serious hazard for anyone nearby. Downed power lines can carry high voltage electricity strong enough to cause a serious, life-altering injury or death. If lightning strikes your building, it can damage your electrical equipment. Lightning can travel through your property’s wiring system, causing internal damage to your wiring.
Lightning strikes can cause power surges, damaging electrical infrastructure and connected devices. Heavy rains during a storm can lead to flooding, which can affect underground electrical lines or equipment.
Water and electricity do not mix. If a person accidentally touches a damaged live wire or walks through flood water with live wires lying around, they may get electrocuted. Even after flood water subsides, mud deposits and debris can conduct electricity. When water comes in contact with electrical outlets and appliances, short circuits can occur.
Importance of Professional Storm Damage Repair
One of the first things to do after a storm is to hire a storm damage repair specialist even if you don’t notice any signs of property damage. Your contractor will first assess the nature and extent of storm damage in Lake County and then come up with a plan to address problems. You may miss the subtle signs of storm damage in Lake County, your contractor won’t.
Here are some compelling reasons to hire a professional to perform storm damage repair after a storm.
Safety Comes First
After a storm, dangers lurk around every corner in the storm damaged property. A storm can affect the structural integrity of your roof and other structures. If repairs go wrong, your roof or a weakened structure can cave in, injuring you. If your property is flooded and you decide to remove storm water yourself, you may come in contact with sewage water, accidentally exposing yourself to harmful microorganisms. You also run the risk of coming in contact with live wires that may be hanging loose, lying on the ground or submerged in water.
Professionals are trained to assess and manage these risks. They take all necessary precautions and follow best practices for repairing storm damaged properties.
Expertise and Experience
Storm damage repair professionals have the expertise and experience needed to thoroughly assess storm damage. They can diagnose problems that might not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye. Typical examples include hidden structural damage, water penetration, and mold growth.
Professionals get stuff done right the first time and can restore storm damaged buildings in the most time-efficient manner. They focus on long-term solutions, instead of quick fixes.
They Wield the Tools of the Trade
Professionals have access to the right repair tools. They use heavy machinery to remove fallen trees and specialized equipment for drying out water-damaged areas. Storm damage repair specialists rely on tried and tested techniques to effectively repair storm damaged structures.
A Professional Can Provide Proof to Support Your Insurance Claim
Storm damage repair specialists have experience working with insurance companies and can provide the necessary documentation (including pictures of damaged areas and detailed damage reports) to support claims.
Compliance with Regulations
Repair work should comply with local regulations. Professionals are knowledgeable about these requirements and ensure that repairs meet all standards.
When you hire a storm damage repair specialist you have peace of mind that comes with knowing that an expert is in charge.
West Coast Fire & Water is a leading storm damage repair company in Lake County. Our storm damage repair team brings decades of collective experience of restoring storm damaged residential and commercial properties to the table. To request a storm damage repair estimate, call us at 707-462-5326.