The Hidden Dangers of Delayed Storm Cleanup: What You Need to Know

When a storm strikes, it can cause devastating damage to your property. Whether it’s heavy rain, strong winds, or hail, storms can typically result in a range of destruction, some of which may not be immediately noticeable. 

Acting quickly and taking necessary measures to prevent additional and long-term damage is essential. Storm cleanup companies are crucial in assisting with the cleanup process and restoring your property to its pre-storm condition. This blog discusses everything you need to learn about storm damage to help you make informed choices about your property.

Let’s get started.

What is Storm Damage?

Storm damage is classified as the harm caused to your property due to severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, or snowstorms. These can affect the structure of your property, the integrity of your electrical systems and the cleanliness of your surroundings, all of which can take days or even weeks to restore. In many cases, storm water damage is among the most common results of a storm, causing significant harm to a property’s foundations, walls, and interiors.

Common Storm Damage to Property 

There is a range of property damages that you might experience after a storm hits. Here are a few common examples:

• Water Damage: Excessive rainfall, flash flooding, or heavy snow can cause water to enter your property. 
• Wind Damage: High wind speeds can easily break windows, detach shingles or siding from your home’s exterior, or topple trees and power lines. 
• Hail Damage: Depending on the size and velocity of hailstones, they can cause substantial damage to your property’s roof and car exteriors. 
• Fallen Trees and Debris: Storms often involve fallen trees and debris, damaging your property’s structure, utilities, and landscaping. 

What Can Happen If You Delay Storm Cleanup Efforts?

Delaying storm cleanup efforts can have severe and long-lasting consequences for your property and its inhabitants. Here are some issues that may arise due to a delayed response:

Mold and Mildew

If moisture from storm water damage is not addressed, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. This bacterial growth thrives in damp, warm conditions and can quickly spread throughout your home if not promptly treated. 

Unfortunately, mold and mildew can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems such as asthma, allergic reactions like sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes, and even chronic illnesses. This is why it’s essential to address water damage promptly with the help of a storm cleanup company.

Structural Damage

The longer you wait to address storm damage, the higher the risk of enduring additional problems to your property. For example, a small hole in the roof can allow water to seep into other areas of your home. This infiltration can compromise the integrity of the walls, ceilings, and floors by causing wood to rot, weakening drywall, and rusting metal components. Over time, this can lead to significant structural issues such as sagging floors, collapsing ceilings, and weakened foundations, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair. 

Electrical Hazards

Water intrusion into electrical systems can cause immediate and long-term risks. Short circuits can result in electrical fires, posing a significant danger to property and lives. Furthermore, exposed wires can be life-threatening, especially if they are located in areas accessible to residents. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining your property and occupant safety. Hiring professional storm cleanup companies can help mitigate the risk of water in electrical wirings.

Pest Infestations

When storms damage a property, it creates a suitable environment for pests such as rodents, insects, and termites to infest and cause additional damage. The increased moisture levels and structural damage provide easy entry points and ideal living conditions for these pests.

Rodents can gnaw through electrical wires and insulation, insects can contaminate food supplies and spread diseases, and termites can further compromise the structural integrity of your home by feeding on wooden components. Pest infestations not only lead to further property damage but also pose health risks to the inhabitants. 

Financial Consequences

Delaying storm cleanup efforts can lead to increased repair costs and long-term damage, which your insurance may not cover if the issues were preventable. Insurance policies often require timely reporting and mitigation of damage to remain valid. Failing to address damage promptly can result in the denial of claims, leaving homeowners to cover extensive repair costs out of pocket. 

Additionally, prolonged exposure to water damage can depreciate property value and necessitate more extensive renovations. Acting swiftly minimizes financial burdens and ensures that your insurance coverage remains intact, protecting your investment and economic well-being.

Trust the Top Storm Cleanup Company 

The hidden dangers of delayed storm cleanup are far too significant to ignore. Mold growth, structural damage, and the potential for serious health risks can all arise if you don’t take immediate action. When the safety of you and your loved ones is at stake, it’s paramount that you choose a competent and reliable storm cleanup company to carry out the necessary work.

Storm cleanup companies like Restoration 1 take pride in providing unmatched services and ensuring a safe environment for you and your family. With our industry-leading expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust Restoration 1 to create a clean, healthy, and safe living space after a storm has wreaked havoc on your home.

Call us today!