Recent Storm Damage Posts

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Hurricane Damage?

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Tree fallen in a house Hurricane damage in East Naples, FL.

If you're in the path of a storm, you know that the cost of hurricane damage can be a lot more than your deductible. Here are some things to consider:

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Hurricane Damage?

The cost of repairing hurricane damage depends on the severity of the storm but can range from $100 for minor repairs to up to several thousand dollars for a complete reconstruction. If you're facing major repairs, here's what you need to know:

  • The average homeowner insurance deductible is about $1,000.
  • Insurers have a wide variety of policies and rates. Check with your insurance agent for more information on coverage details (and their deductibles).
  • FEMA may be able to help cover damage if your area is declared an official disaster zone by the government.

Wind Speed vs. Insurance

As you might expect, the amount of damage your East Naples, FL home sustains from a hurricane depends on the strength of the storm. Wind speeds are measured in miles per hour (mph), and insurance companies use this number to determine your deductible. For example, if you live in an area that's considered a "wind zone" for hurricanes, then your deductible will typically be lower than if you live in an area where storms tend to have lower wind speeds.

Roof Replacement or Repair

A roof replacement is more permanent than a roof repair. It will last longer and be more structurally sound, but it’s also more expensive to replace the entire roof instead of just repairing the damaged portions. When you are looking at cost, remember that it often makes sense to replace your roof in stages rather than all at once.

A contractor will inspect your home’s current state and determine whether or not it needs an entirely new roof or if repairs can be made instead. If there are only specific areas where damage has occurred (for example on just one side), then those areas can usually be replaced without replacing all of them immediately as well.

Broken Windows

The cost of replacing a broken window depends on the size and type of window. If you have an older home with double-hung sash windows that need replacement, it might be best to consider repairing them instead. This is especially true if your house has more than one story or if there’s no way for someone outside your home to reach the damaged area on their own without damaging something else in the process.

High Winds and Trees

Hurricane season is a time when everyone wants to make sure their homes are protected and ready. If you're in an area that's at risk for high winds, it might be time to think about how you can help protect your property from damage. Some tips:

  • If a storm is coming, try closing all windows and doors to reduce the amount of debris that will be blown around by the wind.
  • Make sure trees near your home are trimmed so they don't bend or break during strong winds.
  • Keep any loose objects like lawn chairs or patio umbrellas away from windows so they won't get sucked into them if the window breaks during high winds or heavy rain.

The cost to repair hurricane damage depends on the nature of the storm and where you live.

The cost of hurricane damage depends upon several factors. The nature of the storm and where you live are two important ones. How much damage is done will also play a role in determining the cost. For example, if your roof is damaged by high winds, it may be less expensive to repair than if your home's foundation was compromised in some way or another.

Sometimes FEMA provides assistance with cleanup costs after a hurricane makes landfall in an area where they've declared an emergency - but not always!

Hurricane damage can be devastating, but it's also important to remember that there are resources available to help you navigate the insurance process. You'll need a disaster restoration professional and an insurance agent who knows what they're doing. We hope this article has given you some tips on how to choose both of those professionals!

Getting Ready for a Flood

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

cars in heavy rain on a flooded road Avoid driving through any standing water.

Are You Prepared For Flood Damage?

Flooding occurs when water temporarily overflows onto normally dry land. Floods and flood damage is the most common natural disaster in the United States. The best way to ensure you weather this storm safely is to be prepared and know what to do when faced with disaster.

Prepare
There are several things you can do to prepare for flooding. Here are crucial steps you need to take to get your business ready:

  • Know your flood risk
  • Purchase flood insurance
  • Flood-proof your building
  • Identify your storm restoration company of choice

Stay Safe
When flooding occurs, evacuate immediately when instructed to do so. During the evacuation process, do not drive around barricades. First responders use these to direct traffic away from flooded areas. Furthermore, do not drive through any standing water. Turn around and find another route away from the area. Otherwise, you could find yourself swept away in the current. Likewise, avoid any bridges that have fast-moving water underneath them. These are susceptible to collapse at any moment. If your car ends up in fast-moving water, stay inside. If water starts rising inside the vehicle, move to the roof.

Keep Your Guard Up
After a disaster in Pelican Bay, FL, be sure to listen to the proper authorities. They will let you know when it is safe to return to your business. When you return to the site, be sure to avoid driving through any standing water.
Once you get to your building, you need to remove debris immediately while wearing heavy work gloves and a face covering. People with lung or other health issues should not participate in the cleanup. Children and the elderly should also avoid cleaning up debris. Keep in mind that there may be small animals living in your building.
Floods and storm damage can be disastrous if mishandled. However, knowing what to do in the face of an emergency will help you protect yourself and your business.

What You Need To Know About Black Water

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cuts performed on a drywall, baseboards removed, carpet floor removed in a bedroom Storm damage to a bedroom in Vanderbilt Beach, FL.

When a home in Vanderbilt Beach, FL, experiences heavy rain and subsequential flooding, water damage is the first concern on residents' minds. However, flood water carries with it numerous contaminants that can present issues with clean-up. This type of water is also known as black water.

What Is Black Water?

Black water is water that can't be utilized for drinking, cleaning, or any other use in your home. That's because it has become so contaminated that using it presents health risks. Flood water could contain any number of contaminants:

  • chemicals
  • sewage
  • hazardous materials

Contaminated water should never be utilized for any purpose around the home.

How Does Black Water Occur?

Water contamination can occur during and after heavy rainfalls and flooding. Flood water carries with it everything that was on the ground prior to the rain. This can include fertilizers and underground sewage.
Water that has been exposed to these contaminants can quickly become breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria. For this reason, you should never attempt to clean up this type of water damage yourself.

How Does Black Water Clean Up Occur?
After a disaster such as flooding, help becomes available right away. Between your home insurance company and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you'll find options for other places to stay while your home is restored.
A professional restoration company will assess the damage, isolate the black water, and determine the next steps for removing the sewage and restoring the home. These experts will also determine which building materials must be removed and which are unexposed or can be safely cleaned and remain.
Areas of the home impacted by flooding should always be avoided until they have been professionally cleaned and repaired. While experiencing flooding can feel devastating, the safety of the occupants of the home should always be the first concern.

Deodorization After the Disaster: Hydroxyl Generators as an Option

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Hydroxyl generator, generator used to remove smoke odor Hydroxyl generators are similar to ozone ones.

Deodorization After the Disaster

Flooding can result in extensive water damage that requires the services of a professional cleanup and restoration company in Pelican Marsh, FL, to repair. One common and unpleasant effect of a flood is the presence of a lingering odor. This smell may cling to furniture and saturate the air in a structure for long periods if not dealt with. It is generally the result of mold growth, sewage loss, flood water or a combination of two or all of these. The first is caused by the creation of habitats conducive to the fungus's development, namely areas with excess moisture. The second comes about when flowing waters drag along waste from the streets and sewers. The final saturates items in a structure, allowing the odor-producing microbes inhabiting it to emit bad scents in rooms. Hydroxyl generators are a tool commonly used to deodorize buildings.

How Do They Work?
Hydroxyl generators are similar to ozone ones. The difference is that instead of ozone they create hydroxyl radicals (OH molecules). They do so by mimicking a natural process, the reaction of ultraviolet rays from the sun with oxygen and water vapor, through the use of UV lights. These hydroxyls pull in hydrogen atoms, causing the breakdown of odor molecules and volatile compounds in the air.

What Benefits Are Associated With Them?
Besides the obvious stink-removal, hydroxyl generators also come with other benefits, including:

Variability - they can remove virtually any kind of odor, from the musty scent of mold growth to the stench of protein fires
Sanitization - as the decomposition of particles in the air proceeds, the process actually extends to certain objects like furniture and textiles, heading off microbial development (this does not apply to the penetration of walls)
Ease - the equipment is simple to use and move around
Safety - hydroxyls cause no damage to materials

Hydroxyl generators are a valuable tool for deodorizing commercial property after a flood. They can handle odors from mold growth, sewage and bacteria.

Important Actions to Take in Naples Before a Flood

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Documents inside plastic bins Put important documents in a waterproof safe.

Three Ways To Protect Yourself In Case of a Flood watch

If your city just announced a flood watch, you still have time to prepare and should do so, mainly because you and your home are likely to be impacted. Even if no flood watch has been issued, keep in mind these three things restoration professionals recommend you do for your own protection.

1. Purchase Insurance

Flooding is usually not part of a standard North Pine Ridge, FL homeowner’s insurance policy, and a specific rider has to be purchased. Do you rent, or are you a business owner? Then this applies to you as well. If you live in an area that floods periodically, don’t risk it. Financial protection for the cost of flood repairs can give you a peace of mind, and it’s not worth having to deal with the financial hardship.

2. Protect Possessions

Now that you still have time to prepare your property, it’s advised that you do what you can to reduce the risk of flood damage to your structure and belongings. Put important documents in a waterproof safe. Valuable items, food, clothing, curtains, electronics, chemicals and anything else you want to protect should be elevated. If you have enough time to elevate all your belongings, do so. Any outdoor furniture and tools are to be moved inside, as they can be swept away. Removing everything from the walls is a good idea since the wallboard could soften up, causing everything to drop into the water. Furthermore, block the main sewage outlet and shut off all gas and electric service. Experts also recommend you clear debris from gutters, downspouts and storm drains.

3. Evacuate

If you don’t have time to prepare your residence because a flood warning has been issued, evacuate immediately. You don’t want to end up being trapped in your flooded house and risk your family’s safety. Should you not be able to evacuate, avoid entering flooded areas or standing water by car or foot. Don’t risk your life. Also, be advised that flood water is highly contaminated black water.

Bear in mind these aspects at all times. After flooding, restoration experts are there for you to clean up the flood and storm damage. 

Getting Rid of Mold After a Flood

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold growth on a drywall. Water damage can cause mold growth in your home.

Keep Your Home Safe From Mold

When a storm hits Barefoot Beach, FL, flooding in your home could cause some serious issues. While the water alone is a problem, mold growth can create further difficulties that may remain or return if not properly handled. Untreated water damage can be a growing source for the fungus, and musty smells can be an indication of mold already growing inside your house. Here are some steps you can take to keep your home safe from mold.

1. Act quickly. Within just a couple of days, mold growth can spread across your house. Mold is present nearly everywhere. It is distributed as small spores too tiny to be seen by the naked eye, so it can grow even where you may not see it. It’s important to work as quickly as you can to ensure the cleanup of water damage to prevent this.

2. If you find mold, avoid direct contact with it. Disturbing the mold yourself may cause further problems if you do not have the proper equipment and training. Touching it and attempting to dry it can cause it to release more spores into the air.

3. Get rid of all of the mold. What mold you may be able to find is likely only a small amount of the entire infestation, so trying to handle it all by yourself can make matters worse. Professionals with proper training and equipment should be able to safely locate all of the mold, even if it’s deep beneath layers of drywall.

4. Make sure it doesn’t come back. Mold removal is only half of the job, as this involves getting rid of the mold that has already grown. However, mold spores are almost everywhere and cannot be seen. This is when mold remediation is important. This ensures that mold doesn’t grow again from other sources of water or high humidity.

While flooding can be a harmful problem in Barefoot Beach, FL, there are ways to ensure that mold growth doesn’t persist after the flood. If you are careful in handling the problem, you can ensure that you continue living in a mold-free home for many years to come.