Experiencing property damage at your home or business is one of the most stressful situations you can experience. Not only are your personal items damaged or at risk of damage but there’s also uncertainty around costs and replaceability. We’ve outlined the most common types of property damage emergencies we see and how to handle them. Read on to learn more!
The Most Common Types of Property Damage Emergencies
The following are some of the most common types of property damage emergencies.
Water Damage
Water damage is a common property damage emergency. Water damage occurs for all sorts of reasons. Namely, burst pipes, flooding, leaky roofs, slab leaks, appliance backups, toilet backups, etc. When a flood occurs, responding quickly to prevent secondary damage is crucial.
Therefore, restoration companies respond rapidly to mitigate the damage by:
- Determining the source and categories of the loss (clean water, gray water, black water)
- Removing standing water
- Placing drying equipment (dehumidifiers, air movers, etc.)
If it’s a clean water loss, air movement will be immediately utilized to dry materials in place. If the water was caused by sewage or another source, containment must be placed and materials must be removed.
Storm Damage & Wind Damage
Other property damage emergencies like storm and wind damage are also common. Wind causes damage to roof systems, windows, and doors. It may also down trees or limbs which often puncture roof decking.
When these storm or wind events occur, it’s important to provide temporary protection to the property until the damage can be permanently repaired. Restoration contractors will provide emergency tarp/board-up services in these instances. Roof tarps and boarded-up windows will prevent any wind-driven rain from penetrating the home and causing further damage. Tree removal from roofs may also be necessary in these situations.
If you experience wind or tree damage from a storm, it’s imperative that you call a restoration contractor immediately! These types of events are often covered by homeowners insurance policies. Therefore, it’s appropriate to call a mitigation company first and have them respond, even if you haven’t had a chance to submit a claim yet. You have the right and responsibility as an owner to protect and secure your property.
Fire & Smoke Damage
Structure fires (although much rarer than water or storm damage) are another common type of property damage emergency. Fire damage often leaves homes and businesses structurally unsound and susceptible to further damage.
Therefore, after the fire is put out, it’s crucial to have a restoration contractor board up windows and doors, protect the roof system, and shelter your home’s interior from the elements. Securing the property will also prevent looters or squatters from entering the property until it’s restored to its pre-loss condition.
Water damage is also a concern during structure fires. The fire department has to extinguish the fire using tremendous amounts of water. This creates a situation where immediate dry-out is necessary. Failure to dry out a structure following a water loss will lead to secondary damage like mold growth.
Legacy Restoration, LLC Is Your Go-To During Property Damage Emergencies
When you experience property damage emergencies at your home or commercial property, Legacy Restoration, LLC is ready to respond 24/7.
Our experienced team serves residents and facility managers throughout Florida, the Southeastern US, the Midwest, and the Southwest.
Reach out to our team today for all property damage emergencies!