What to do After Storm Damage?

WHAT TO DO AFTER STORM DAMAGE?

Experiencing severe weather situations can be extremely stressful, especially when the integrity of your home is involved. The following are tips for weathering the experience of a severe storm and the damage your home could face:

1. Remain safe: You may feel the need to check on your home and inspect possible damage as soon as it occurs in a storm. It is vitally important that you remain safe until the risk of injury has passed. Stay in an appropriate location and try to remain calm until it is safe to explore your property. Be aware of possible electrical, fire, or water hazards that may have resulted from the storm as well.
2. Understand your insurance policy: It could be benificial to set up an appointment with your insurance agent to go over your policy. Making sure all possible scenarios are covered as well as all of your property for the necessary amount complete any work that may arise is vital when facing the reprcutions of storm damage.
3. Make a well planned educated choice when choosing the right contractor to complete the repairs on your home or business: We have a great article, ” How to Find a Good Contractor“, that provides you with 7 questions to ask while vetting your local array of contractors.

If at any point you would like to seek our advice or services, please, call us directly at 248-462-0224.

2021 Lumber Update: Material Prices are Decreasing

“For the eighth consecutive week, the price that sawmills charge distributors for lumber is down.

Last week, the “cash” market price of lumber fell $90, to $485 per thousand board feet, according to data provided to Fortune by Fastmarkets Random Lengths, an industry trade publication. That’s down 68% since its $1,515 all-time high in late May. That’s the lowest price point for lumber since June 2020.” — Fortune

rEMAIN SAFE

It’s natural to want to protect your personal property. It’s very important to remain calm and to think clearly when faced with a damaging storm.

First, keep you and your family safe by heading to a safe location and remaining there until the storm passes.

Once the storm passes it’s time to access the damages by walking around your property. Keep an eye out for floodwaters that be quick moving, loose branches, and debris that can fall from overhead, as well as downed electrical wires.

If there are damages that need immediate attention and you can safely try to remedy them temporarily try to do so. Broken windows can be sealed up with plastic, roof damage can be covered with a tarp, etc. It’s important to consider any additional damage that your property may be victim to if you don’t take swift action.

Keep a camera and notepad to document the damages you see as you examine the aftermath of the storm.

STORM DAMAGE

UNDERSTAND YOUR INSURANCE POLICY

BEFORE THE STORM

While it’s best to set up a meeting with your insurance agent prior to any incident to go over your coverage, many don’t think to do this. Going over your policy with your provider to make sure all of your property is included in your policy and for an appropriate amount, will provide you peace of mind when faced with storm damages.

When you meet with your agent make sure all of the structures on your property are covered. Sheds, pole barns, and other outbuildings can be left off of the policy, especially if they are newer builds.

Your insurance policy will cover three areas: Weather damage (hail, wind, fire, snow, etc.), non-weather events (theft, vandalism, etc.), and sudden/accidental events (water pipe breaks). Acts of God are covered, but there are exceptions. The biggest exception is flood damage. Across the board, regardless of carrier, flood damage is not covered. No homeowner’s policy covers you for a flood. If you live in an area prone to flooding you will want to look into the national flood insurance program, FloodSmart.Gov.

Keep documentation of the items in your home/ on your property. Putting away receipts, especially for large purchases could prove handy when filing your insurance claim.

AFTER THE STORM

Call your insurance agent as soon as possible. Also, it’s important to stay in contact to avoid possible scams. Unannounced contractors may show up at your doorstep promising to make repairs. Speak with your insurer before any work is done. Usually, your insurer will tell you who’s showing up and when. Get everything you can in writing.” Be aware of these scams and avoid falling victim by contacting your insurance company.

TYPES OF STORM DAMAGE

ROOFING DAMAGE:

How do you identify roof damage, and what should you do about your roof after a major storm? 

Browse this resource guide by Owens Corning on understanding types of roof storm damage and learn what steps you should take, then download the Owens Corning roof storm damage checklist for future reference.

SIDING DAMAGE:

Strong winds, flying debris, and wind-driven hail are the main culprit when it comes to damage to the exterior of your home. Many types of exterior damage can be identified if you know what to look for. Here is a quick overview of the most common types of exterior damage.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR

Finding the right contractor is probably the single most important decision homeowners face when making repairs or updates to their homes– even more so than the design itself. Many contractors will not volunteer the kind of information that you need to make the right decision – especially if their answers are not what you want to hear! Make sure you read this report to learn not only the right questions to ask but also the right answers to receive.

1. Call Us To Schedule Your Free Estimate 248-462-0224

2. Review your Estimate and Schedule your project

3. Enjoys the beauty and security of your new roof or Siiding