I never knew the extent of damage that hail could cause to a home. Of course, I realized that windows could break, but I never imagined my roof getting damaged, the siding getting destroyed and the gutters nearly being taken off the side of the house. After our neighborhood was hit by a storm that included golf-ball sized hail, I quickly learned how devastating those little ice-balls can be. If you are going through the same repairs and clean-up efforts, visit my blog. My blog includes tips that can help you identify hail damage and learn what to do to repair it.
tips for identifying and repairing home hail damage
A Guide To Water Damage Restoration
Aria Korpershoek
Does your property have water damage caused by flooding, broken pipes, or other reasons? Your first instinct may be to call a professional to have them fix the damage, but you can also try to fix it yourself. This can save you a lot of money in the long run. It is important to note that if you are dealing with mold that you will need to make sure you can remove it or you will need to call in a mold remove specialist since it is so dangerous to leave in the property. In this guide, you will learn how to restore the damaged areas of your property safely and efficiently.
Assess The Damage
First, you need to properly assess the damage. It is usually the floors or walls that end up with water damage, but if it happens on the first story or second story, it will also be the ceiling. The damage can generally be identified by dark stains covering the affected areas. Cement floors or walls will have mold growing in the areas that were flooded. Be careful walking on floors on the upper areas of the property if they appear to be damaged. The wood may be weakened with rot and can collapse.
Removing The Damage
Make sure the electricity is shut off before you begin. Remove damaged walls or flooring using a hammer to pry up the old drywall and other materials. If it is rotten it will properly pull up easily. Once all the damaged wood is removed, you can begin the repairs. When the damage is minimal, you can just install new drywall boards in place of the old drywall. Old flooring can be ripped up and replaced. However, if the damage is deep enough, you will likely have to repair the entire structure which means new wood on the walls and floors.
Cleaning The Mold
There will usually be a lot of mold in areas that have water damage. Cement walls and floors can be cleaned usually strong solutions of bleach and water. Scrub vigorously until all signs of the mold are gone. Materials like wood or carpet that are covered with mold may need to be replaced completely. You can also use the same bleach and water solution to clean mold from these surfaces. Always wear gloves and a mask when you are dealing with mold due to the health risks associated with it.
Considerations
Be sure to check with your homeowner's insurance before you begin repairing the damage. You may be covered in your policy for flooding or other water damage. Contact a local water damage restoration service to learn more.
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