Disasters happen, and they frequently cause severe home damage requiring extensive repairs and restoration. There is little homeowners can do to prevent a disaster, but how they handle the cleanup process makes a difference in how the disaster will affect things afterwards.

The following are a few frequently asked questions about disaster restoration.

How dangerous is a flood? Once I clean up the water, do I have to worry anymore?

A flood is far more damaging than most homeowners believe, because so many of its effects are unseen. Simply mopping up the water pooled in your home does not address the water seeping underneath floorboards, tiles, and into the foundations. If the water is not evacuated and the affected areas not properly dried, the wooden infrastructure of the home could rot and mold. Or, mildew could begin growing in colonies, releasing dangerous spores.

Is cleaning up mold dangerous?

Mold is a fungus that causes respiratory or skin infections in humans, and can exacerbate allergies or even cause asthma attacks in asthmatic patients. Some people are more strongly affected than others, and not all species of mold are equally dangerous. As a general rule, disturbing mold colonies will release spores into the air, even in cleaning.

If a fire only damaged one room, do I have to worry about my other rooms?

Yes. While the flames may not have spread throughout your home, smoke probably did, and it will leave residue. Have your home checked for smoke damage, especially on the ceilings and upper walls. The acidic residue smoke leaves on surfaces is corrosive and can damage wood, fabric and other materials if not addressed.

Do I need to check my roof after a hailstorm?

This depends on the severity of the storm and how recently you had your roof inspected. If it has been over 5 years and the hail was larger than a quarter, you should probably have it checked. If your last check was within the past 2 years, your roof should be in good condition, but it would be wise to do a self inspection after any heavy hailstorms.

How soon after a fire should I call a disaster restoration company?

It is never too soon to call, even if the fire is still burning. The sooner a disaster company knows there is a problem, the sooner they can restore your home once the danger has passed. Even when the flames have burned out, there is still a very real chance of unaddressed smoke damage necessitating repairs far more expensive than they might have been.

What types of damages should I look for after a severe storm?

Examine your roof for missing shingles, dented or loose gutters, and damaged flashing if there was hail involved. If there were high winds, inspect your home for loose siding and make sure your drainpipes and gutters have not been blown askew. Also check the area around your home for potential threats like broken branches or tilting trees.

If you have experienced severe damage to your home and don't know how to handle it, contact Global Restorations today.

FAQs about Disaster Restoration