(Newswire.net — August 7, 2022) — Natural disasters can wreak havoc on our homes. A hurricane is a storm with high winds and heavy rains that can cause severe property damage. After a hurricane, it is essential to take steps to protect your home from further damage and begin the repair process. Contact a professional contractor to inspect the structural damage to your home. They will be able to give you the best course of action for repairing any damage. Here are six key ways to restore your house after suffering hurricane damage.
1. Get an Estimate for Repairs
Begin by taking pictures of all of the damage. This will be helpful when getting estimates from contractors. You should also make a list of all of the repairs that need to be made. Be sure to include both major and minor repairs. Once you have gathered estimates from multiple contractors, you can choose the one that is best suited for your needs. Your budget will likely be a major factor in this decision. Be sure to get everything in writing before work begins. This will help avoid any misunderstandings later on.
2. Call a Remediation Company to Handle Cleaning and Disinfection
A professional cleaning and remediation company will have the proper equipment and cleaning products to clean and disinfect your home safely. They will also be able to dispose of any hazardous materials properly. There will likely be a lot of debris on your property. It is essential to remove all of this debris as soon as possible. This will make it easier to begin repairs. Begin by removing any loose items from your yard. This includes things like patio furniture, toys, and lawn decorations. Next, use a rake or broom to remove leaves, branches, and other debris. The remediation team should also sanitize and disinfect all of the surfaces in your home.
3. Check for Damaged Roofing, Siding, and Windows
The high winds and heavy rains of a hurricane can cause severe damage to the exterior of your home. Inspect your roof, siding, and windows for any damage. If you see any missing or damaged shingles, you will need to have these replaced as soon as possible. Damaged siding should also be repaired or replaced. Broken windows should be replaced with new ones. It is crucial to make these repairs as soon as possible to prevent warping, peeling, or further damage.
4. Clean Up Any Water Damage
Remove any wet items from your home and dry them out. These items can include furniture, carpeting, clothing, and toys. Use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the area. If an item has been soaked with floodwater, it will likely need to be replaced. Wet drywall, insulation, and flooring must also be removed and replaced. Mould can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours, so it is essential to take care of any damage right away.
5. Inspect Your Home’s Electrical System
An electrician will check for any damaged wiring or outlets. If there is damage, they can make the necessary repairs. It is also a good idea to have your home’s electrical system inspected even if there is no visible damage. The high winds and heavy rains can cause unseen damage that could create a fire hazard.
6. Check for Gas Leaks
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call the gas company. Do not turn any lights on or off, and do not use any appliances. The high winds and heavy rains can cause damage to your home’s gas lines. This can create a dangerous gas leak. If you smell gas, evacuate the area immediately and call the gas company. Do not reenter your home until the gas company has checked the area and determined it is safe.
Natural disasters can be devastating events for any homeowner. Your home insurance policy will likely cover some of the costs associated with repairs. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. You should also hire a professional remediation company to help clean up and repair. With proper care, your home will be back to its pre-hurricane condition.