Spring is almost here, and while that means warmer weather and outdoor activities for many people, it also means potentially dangerous thunderstorms.
Storms can wreak havoc on your property, and it is important to clean up the damage in a timely manner. However, if your property has been hit hard, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Here are some helpful hints for handling the herculean task of cleaning up after a storm.
1. Repair Broken Windows
Broken tree branches and flying debris can hit your windows and cause them to shatter. Your first task is to clean up the broken glass so that no one gets hurt. Ultimately, a broken window will probably require glass repair Irving TX. In the interim, however, you can board them up to protect your home until you are able to arrange the repair.
2. Extract Water
Strong storms can sometimes result in flash flooding. If this occurs, water can collect in your basement. A regular old mop and bucket may be sufficient to handle this job, or you may require a wet vac. Drains may become covered with debris, so make sure you clear this away. This should be one of your first priorities because of the potential for mold growth.
3. Check the Roof
It is very important to inspect your roof for any damage, such as lost or broken shingles. If discovered, these problems should be fixed as soon as possible or they can allow water into your house, which can cause even more damage that can be even harder to mitigate.
3. Inspect the Interior
In addition to checking the roof, you should also look carefully at walls and ceilings inside of your home for discoloration or any other signs of water damage. If found, you should check for the source of the leak and try to have it repaired as soon as possible while also taking steps to mitigate mold growth.
4. Remove Wet Drywall and Insulation
These are porous materials that absorb water. Because they are behind the wall, it is unlikely that they will dry out on their own. Your best bet is to remove them entirely and have them replaced.
5. Clean Up Your Yard
If the damage is minor, this may be a relatively simple matter of raking up leaves and clearing away small branches. However, if you have trees that have sustained major damage, you should consult with a tree expert about whether the tree needs to be removed entirely or it can be saved.
Though not a clean-up task per se, it can be helpful to take pictures of the damage for the benefit of your insurance company.