House Damaged By Severe Weather? You Might Need Storm Damage Restoration

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Water and mold issues are a common problem for homeowners following a storm. See how a storm damage restoration company like SERVPRO can help fix problems quickly in Austin, TX.

House Damaged By Severe Weather? You Might Need Storm Damage Restoration

Most homes are built to withstand harsh conditions. But if you live in Austin, Texas, you realize that Mother Nature can throw a powerful curveball that can rattle the sturdiest roof or foundation. Throughout the year, but particularly in spring and summer, Austin can be slammed by thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.

Sometimes storm damage is obvious — a tree trunk crashes onto your roof or a flash flood fills your basement. 

However, in many cases, you might not notice the damage caused by destructive winds and heavy rains. If the problem persists, it can lead to serious structural and health effects in the future. 

Spotting water damage — either from heavy rains or from winds that make your home vulnerable to leaks — is the most important action you can take following a storm. Read these tips from SERVPRO before the next storm strikes.

How to Spot Exterior Storm Damage

Powerful storms can tear off roof tiles and crack exterior walls, which invites moisture and wildlife. 

According to the National Storm Damage Center, you should inspect the exterior of your home to determine whether it’s suffered damage after a storm. 

Follow this checklist:

• Look over downspouts and gutters to make sure they are intact and diverting water away from the house
• Inspect the roof for cracked, dented, or missing shingles, splits in seams, and damage to flashing
• Look at exterior doors and windows for broken panes, cracks, and damaged frames
• Check exterior siding, brick, or stucco for dents, cracks, holes, or discoloration
• Look at your attic or crawlspace for signs of leaks or streaks of sunlight coming through the ceiling

Finding and fixing damage immediately after a storm is vital. It takes only a tiny leak to result in mold production, which can spread through your home rapidly. 

While this list helps with obvious issues, some may still go unnoticed. The best way to ensure that your house is free from damage following a storm is to get a top-to-bottom inspection by a professional restoration company.

How to Fix Storm Damage

If you find signs of storm damage—whether it’s a leaky roof or a flooded basement—it’s essential to work with storm and water damage restoration experts to fix the problems. Professional storm and water restoration companies like SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin, TX, have the equipment and experience to deal with repair and cleanup following the worst disasters.

Expert water restoration companies and mold remediation companies provide the following services:

Water damage restoration

• Inspect your home to determine the extent of water damage
• Use powerful vacuums and pumps to remove standing water
• Test moisture levels to determine the number of fans and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home thoroughly
• Provide professional cleaning to sanitize and remove odors
• Offer repairs like drywall replacement or carpet installation

Mold removal

• Find and remove the source of water, moisture, and humidity causing mold production
• Identify and contain areas of mold
• Remove mold and mold-infested materials
• Use an air filtration system to remove mold spores
• Clean and sanitize mold-infected areas
• Repair areas damaged by mold and mold removal

Need help with storm damage restoration?

Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO provides storm damage restoration services to Austin, TX, and throughout the 78730 zip code. It is one of central Texas’ leading residential water, mold, and fire restoration companies, and provides commercial water damage restoration, too.

SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency service. If you have a fire, mold, or water cleanup and restoration job in Austin, contact SERVPRO online or call 512-318-2202.