The 3 Largest Storm Damage Threats | SERVPRO® of Northeast Charlotte

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte your first call.

If you see severe weather in the forecast, chances are that there is always an element of worry in the back of your mind. Storm damages are very real and common when the weather gets severe enough! Thankfully, a lot of homes nowadays are built to withstand severe weather, but there is always a risk involved when it comes to Mother Nature.

We address the three largest threats to our homes in this latest blog post! Water, wind and impact damages are among the most common reasons for home damage, and if the incoming storm is producing all three threats, you could have a big mess on your hands.

However, just because there is a storm in our area, it doesn’t mean that your home will suffer any sort of damage. It all depends on the incoming system and the weather it is producing. Your location in the city, the landscape around your home and the very structure of your home also come into play as well.

In Charlotte, we see severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding and winter storms, so it is crucial to be prepared for the variety of threats that we are susceptible to.

Wind, water and impact damages can come out of any of the above threats, so let’s break them down below:

Wind

Wind can come with tornadoes and any sort of severe storm. When it blows quickly enough, it can cause massive amounts of localized damage. Even thunderstorms alone can produce winds over 100 mph.

Wind has dual threats. By itself, it can sheer off house siding or pull shingles off the roof. And wind can make trees and other large objects seem weightless, allowing them to become projectiles.

Make sure to stay inside if a straight-line wind warning is issued or if the wind speeds start to pick up.

If you have enough of a heads-up before any incoming storm, you can tie down any loose furniture or play sets in your yard and also clean up any dead trees or limbs. Reducing the amount of hazards in your yard can keep your damage risk low.

Water

We rely on water from storms to keep our lawns, trees and gardens thriving, but if the rain is heavy enough, it can cause massive headaches for homeowners! Water can flood basements, weaken walls and floors, and cause exponential mold growth if left untreated.

To reduce your risk of widespread water damage, make sure that any landscaping you do ensures water flows away from the foundation of your house, or consider installing a rain garden! A rain garden can enhance the beauty of your yard while also providing a place for all of the storm water to flow to.

If your home has gutters, keep them clear of any blockages. When your gutters can function properly, it helps move water off of your roof and away from your home.

Impact

Perhaps the most scary of the three is “impact damage.” Whenever a large tree or outdoor object falls or is tossed into your home, there is the potential for catastrophic and costly damages.

Do your best to keep your trees maintained by trimming them regularly and removing any dead limbs quickly. You can also try to secure any large outdoor furniture if you have enough time ahead of a storm.

The cost associated with severe weather damages is huge! In just 2021 alone, Americans reported over $145 billion in damages. This number can be reduced by incorporating some of our storm preparation tips!

When you do suffer some sort of storm damage to your home or property, we want to be your first phone call at SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte. We have a quick response time and can get going on your restoration project right away.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.