Storm Damage Restoration St. Clair Shores MI

Posted by dbccompany on Nov 21st, 2014 | no comments

D.B.C. Company, Inc. provides top quality Storm Damage Restoration in St. Clair Shores MI and surrounding areas. Call (877) 598-9600 today to get 24/7 storm damage restoration services at your home or business.

Roof Damage Caused by Storms

When a storm hits, the roof is most susceptible to costly damage. Fallen tree branches, flying debris, hail and wind are common causes of roofing damage.

Signs of damage include holes in the roof, missing shingles, split seams and cracked, broken or curled shingles. If you have asphalt shingles, look for dents or bruises. Because asphalt shingles are coated with tiny metallic granules that protect your home from damaging UV-rays, look for an accumulation of granules in your gutters and downspouts. Loose granules often precede more serious problems, including roof deterioration, leaking, flooding and structural compromise.

Common Signs of Roofing Damage

• Holes in the roof
• Split seams
• Missing shingles
• Bruises or dented asphalt shingles
• Cracked or broken tile, slate, or concrete shingles
• Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
• Leaks in your roof or ceiling
• Dents on vents, gutters, or flashing

Window Damage

Windows and doors are especially susceptible to wind damage and flying debris, including shards of glass, which can be especially dangerous. To protect your home from storm damage, it is smart to cover or reinforce your glass. Here are some popular options:

Window Film

To protect your home and family from shattered glass during a severe storm, window film provides a measure of protection. Window film is typically inexpensive, easy to install and can be left on your windows year-round. Some window film may provide additional UV protection as well. While window film keeps glass from shattering, it does nothing to prevent your entire window frame from blowing in during a tornado or severe windstorm.

Plywood

Plywood window covers are a cheap and effective way to protect your windows during a severe storm, such as a tornado. To adequately protect your home, select boards that are 5/8th inch thick and 8 inches wider than the area you are covering. You’ll want to make sure to use heavy-duty screws and anchors, expansion bolts or pre-installed clips to secure the plywood over your windows. The downside to plywood is that it must be installed as the storm is approaching. Since plywood window covers block the natural light, if you lose power during the storm, it will be very dark inside your home. Other alternatives to plywood, including panels made from aluminum, plastic, fabric, steel and other composite materials.

Storm Shutters

Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, provide excellent protection against severe wind and flying debris. Because storm shutters are permanently attached to your home and simply roll into place, they are easier to deploy than plywood covers. While storm shutters may require a substantial initial investment, having storm shutters will typically reduce the cost of your homeowners insurance.

High Impact Glass

A common solution for homeowners and building owners who want to protect against storm damage is high impact glass, also known as laminated glass. High impact glass is made from two panes of tempered glass separated by a plastic film. Even though high impact glass will still crack or break when hit, it will not shatter and remains intact. Car windshields are typically made from high impact glass, but it can also be used for windows or doors. As an added bonus, high impact glass windows are always in place and can reduce the cost of your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Exterior Storm Damage

Strong winds, flying debris, and wind-driven hail do the most damage to the exterior of your home. Many types of exterior damage can be identified if you know what to look for. Here is a quick overview of the most common types of exterior damage.

Siding Damage

While durable, low maintenance and attractive, vinyl siding can be seriously damaged during a storm.

If you have aluminum siding, the most common signs of storm damage are dings and dents in the siding. In a severe storm, it is common for pieces of aluminum siding to be ripped off entirely. If your home has been hit by a hailstorm and there doesn’t appear to be damage at first glance, you’ll want to inspect your aluminum siding closely when the sun is low in the sky either in the early morning, or late evening, which will make the damage easier to see.

Paint Damage

The most common signs of storm damage to exterior paint are chips, cracks and discoloration. Chipping is caused by wind driven hailstones or flying debris that causes paint to chip, crack, discolor, or peel away, sometimes in large sections. After a severe storm or hailstorm, you may notice small black marks on your paint.

Stucco Damage

While stucco is typically resistant to light and moderate weather, severe storms such as large hail, flying debris and tornado-speed winds can cause serious damage to stucco. The most common form of damage is holes punched into the stucco. Some holes are large and easy to recognize, while others may be smaller and require closer inspection to be detected. Stucco damage is a serious problem that comprises the exterior of your home.

Remember, if the stucco on your home has sustained storm damage, there is an excellent chance that other parts of your home, including the roof are seriously damaged as well. If you have holes in your stucco caused by hail, wind or a tornado, you will want to contact a reputable insurance restoration contractor right away, for a full property inspection.

Brick Damage

Many owners of brick homes overlook damage to their home until it is too late to file an insurance claim. While brick stands up well to most storm damage, the trim, window casings, gutters, metal flashing, vents and roof are highly susceptible to costly damage. Since storm damage is covered under most insurance policies, if you have a brick home, make sure you get a full property damage inspection from a reputable contractor as soon as possible.

Exterior Appliance Damage

After a hail or wind storm many homeowners do not think to check their air conditioning unit for storm damage. Damage caused by hail and debris propelled by severe winds can cause serious damage to the fins of your air conditioning unit, which reduces the unit’s cooling efficiency. This damage will cause increased cooling costs for the remaining life of your air conditioning unit. The increased costs of cooling created by storm damage to your air conditioner can add up to thousands of dollars. So, even if you think your air conditioning unit has only sustained minor damage, it is a good idea to get a full property damage inspection and consider filing a claim with your insurance company for the repair or replacement of a storm damaged air conditioning unit.

source: stormdamagecenter.org

If you are in need of storm damage restoration in St. Clair Shores MI or surrounding areas, please call the experts at D.B.C. Company, Inc. at (877) 598-9600 today to get 24/7 storm damage restoration services at your home or business.

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