Storms can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses. It is crucial for residential and commercial property owners to understand the different types of storm damage and how a professional restoration company can help.
Bad weather seems to be in the news all the time. From winter storms and icing to heavy rain and floods to hurricanes and tropical storms, mother nature throws a lot at us. Losses from storms can range from relatively minor to complete destruction.
With 70+ offices nationwide, ATI Restoration is well-versed in common types of storm damage throughout the country. Our 24-Hour Emergency Response enables us to help homeowners and businesses start the recovery process without delay.
Below are the types of damage you need to be aware of if your property has been hit by a storm. If you are in need of immediate assistance, call ATI’s emergency line to inquire about our catastrophe services.
Water Damage
Many different storms can lead to water damage. These include:
- Tropical storms
- Hurricanes
- Thunderstorms
- Snow storms, blizzards, and ice storms
- Flash floods
- Nor’easters
- Landslides
- And more
The most obvious sign of water damage is water inside the property. After an extreme storm, you might find standing water in rooms that have flooded. Other signs of potential water damage include wet carpets or flooring, peeling paint, and discoloration of the walls and ceiling. You should also check for damage to the windows, doors, roof, and foundation, as these are common entry points for water from storms.
Water damage can cause extensive structural damage and leave contents a total loss. It can also lead to mold growth. If you spot mold inside your property or notice a foul or musty odor after a storm, you need to take action as soon as possible.
Ice and Snow Damage
Many Americans face the threat of freezing pipes every winter. Frozen pipes can leak or burst, resulting in significant and costly water damage.
Heavy snow can damage roofs and gutters. Ice dams may form on the edge of the roof or along the soffits if the attic has inadequate insulation. When snow melts, you might also experience leaks and flooding through the roof, around the windows, and/or into the foundation or crawl space.
Wind Damage
High-speed, damaging winds can happen anywhere. The most dramatic examples of high winds include hurricanes and tornadoes. Some areas of the U.S. are notorious for the number of these disasters they experience.
Types of storm damage to look for after high winds in your area include missing shingles and damaged siding. Extreme wind conditions can knock over trees or carry debris, which can damage your home or business. If the wind is accompanied by rain or snow, water intrusion is a major concern.
Lightning Damage
The odds of a person being struck by lightning in a given year are more than one in a million. Lightning strikes on buildings are much more common.
A lightning strike can knock out power to the property and may damage electrical components. The heat from a lightning bolt can also cause a fire. Property owners and occupants need to be vigilant for signs of fire during a thunderstorm. Smoke detectors are essential.
Homes and businesses may also sustain losses due to falling tree branches—or falling trees. Lightning can easily slice through the bark of a tree and turn it into a projectile. If the thunder and lightning are accompanied by rain, water damage may be an issue as well.
Hail Damage
Most people think hail damage is typically limited to the roof. In extreme cases, however, hail can lead to multiple types of storm damage.
Wind-driven hail can shatter windows, glass doors, and roofing shingles. This allows hailstones and rain to get inside the property. When hail dissolves, it can cause many of the same problems we see with melting snow. Carpets may become waterlogged, stains may form on the walls and ceiling, and mold may start to grow.
Mudslide Damage
Landslides and mudslides occur in areas where the ground is unstable, often due to recent heavy rainfall, significant snowmelt, and flooding. They are also common concerns in the aftermath of a wildfire when the scorched ground is unable to absorb rain.
In severe cases, residential and commercial properties may be swept off their foundations by fast-moving mudslides and landslides. Homes and businesses that are left standing generally suffer extreme losses due to the force of the impact, as well as water, dirt, mud, rocks, and other debris.
Extensive structural damage requiring reconstruction of the property is fairly common in the aftermath of a mudslide or landslide. We also see homes and businesses suffer flood damage in these disasters. The water from a landslide or mudslide is highly contaminated, so any losses should be handled by a professional restoration company with the necessary training and equipment.
Get Professional Help After the Storm
One of the first things you need to do if your property experiences storm damage is to ensure everyone’s safety. This may be as simple as shutting off the water or power and cordoning off the damaged rooms and areas. In the event of a natural disaster, however, it may be necessary to evacuate.
You should only return to the property when the local authorities have given the all-clear. Upon your return, be watchful for debris, broken glass, building materials, exposed electrical wires, downed power lines, and other hazards.
If possible, you should take photos of the loss. Thorough documentation is critical when filing an insurance claim.
Finally, you should contact a reputable storm damage restoration company right away. Professional restorers will assess the damage and develop a strategy for cleaning, repairs, and—if necessary—rebuilding.
Contact ATI Restoration
ATI Restoration has been providing residential and commercial disaster recovery services for more than 35 years. We understand the impact severe storms can have on individuals, organizations, and entire communities.
Every member of our team operates according to a set of core values. These values emphasize the importance of clear communication, excellent service, and compassion for those in the midst of a catastrophe. We have the experience, resources, and tools to handle all types of storm damage—large, small, and in between.
ATI is available 24/7/365. In the event of a major disaster, we dispatch local and national response teams to aid in the recovery. Contact us immediately to learn how our storm damage services can help restore your home or business.