Home Restoration After a Storm: Step by Step

Storm damage can occur at any moment. It’s likely that you’ll have some warning from local radio broadcasts and news stations. However, the extent of the damage cannot be foreseen until it’s over. Heavy rains will lead to flooding and strong winds may cause roof damage, and then property damage is two-fold. But it’s not the end of the road. Storm damage restoration services provide a fighting chance against the weather. Your home will stand strong once more.

First Steps in Storm Damage Restoration

If you have a homeowners insurance policy, we recommend filing a claim with your insurance provider immediately. In fact, the sooner, the better. And then, contact Restoration 1.

• All cleanup, salvaging operations, and drying should be completed by a professional. You do not need to wait for the insurance adjuster to begin this process. Do take a few photographs of the damage, however.
• Ensure all damaged materials are put aside for the insurance adjuster to examine properly.
• Following significant storm damage, all electrical systems in the house should be turned off before anyone enters the premises.
• Your local water utility will need to deem your water source safe before use. Do not eat or drink anything from within the house, and do not use the water without purifying it beforehand.
• If you have wooden cutlery in the house, you’ll need to throw it all away. Flood-contaminated wooden cutting utensils, cutting boards, and spoons used for stirring may have mold growing on them already. For metal and ceramic items, you’ll want to sanitize each item in clean, boiling water, mixed with a solution of chlorine bleach and water.
• For furniture and carpeting, everything must be thrown out and replaced. After storm and water damage, carpeting is especially prone to contamination and mold growth.

Next Steps

The next steps in storm damage restoration are focused on long-term solutions. Significant water damage often leads to extensive structural integrity issues and mold growth. Both issues can be resolved by professional restoration services.

• Subfloors – As part of the subfloor, layers of plywood are likely damp and ruined by water damage. Such damage leads to buckling
• Wood Floors – Flooring must be checked expertly for swelling, warping, and buckling
• Walls – To reduce mold, walls should be cleaned and dried promptly. You do not want to sand or scrape down any lead-based paint, however
• Appliances – Carefully evaluating water-damaged electrical equipment is key. You may need to toss many items out and replace them
• Preventing Mold – Mold is a primary concern after water damage of any amount. To prevent mold, the area must be dehumidified, decontaminated, and dried properly. All excess water and moisture should be removed from the premises by experts – this ensures a successful restoration

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a significant storm, you want experts on your side to make a true difference. Contact Restoration 1 of Winston-Salem for exceptional storm damage restoration. Give us a call anytime at (336) 477-2498.