The damage caused by thunderstorms and winter storms and how SERVPRO can help

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: SERVPRO offers its storm restoration services that include fire, water, and mold remediation as well as roof tarping expertise in case of damage caused by thunderstorms and winter storms. 

Thunderstorms and winter storms damage?

The US experiences thunderstorms and winter storms that can cause extensive damage to homes and commercial properties. It is important to ascertain the damage caused and to contract a specialized storm restoration company like SERVPRO, at the earliest.

Thunderstorms are violent, short-lived weather disturbances that are usually accompanied by lightning, thunder, dense clouds, heavy rain or hail, and strong gusty winds. Below are the common thunderstorm damages:

1. Hail storm damage: Thunderstorms can produce hail that can be devastating to personal property. Smaller hail can destroy crops while larger ones can dent cars, break windows, and damage roofs. Hailstorms can lead to serious roof leaks that can spiral out of control, leading to structural problems.
2. Tornado damage: A tornado can cause massive structural damages to buildings with its strong winds and the debris that it carries in its wake. The most violent tornadoes with wind speeds of up to 300 mph can destroy large buildings, uproot trees and hurl vehicles hundreds of yards. 
3. Lightning damage: Lightning that hits trees and the ground is often responsible for wildfires, structure fires, property damage, and power outages. When a property is struck by lightning, electricity passes through the wiring causing severe damage to any electrical appliances that are plugged in. 
4. Flood damage: Thunderstorms often bring in torrential downpours of rain that can flood homes, basements, and businesses, causing serious damage to both interiors and exteriors. Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can manage.

Winter storms are precipitation that is mainly snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Often coupled with strong winds and below-freezing temperatures, winter storms can be dangerous. 

1. Water damage: Cold snaps and temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can cause pipes to freeze and burst. The resulting water damage can be extensive. 
2. Fire damage: Unattended fireplaces, improperly cleaned chimneys, or space heaters plugged into overloaded outlets or left too close to flammable objects, can cause fires during a winter storm.
3. Roof damage: The additional weight of snow and ice can damage gutters and cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The cycle repeats worsening the damage caused.
4. An ice dam: Snow often melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This ice dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

How can SERVPRO fix the damage?

1. Water and mold damage restoration

Flooding caused by thunderstorms and winter storms can cause severe water and mold damage to properties. A water and mold restoration company like SERVPRO can swiftly and effectively bring the property back to its original state. 

The team uses a scientific approach for water removal and cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end.

1. Fire damage restoration

Fire caused by lightning or damaged appliances during a winter storm must be handled by a specialized team of technicians to ensure the safety of the property. SERVPRO has been successfully implementing fire damage restoration for businesses and homes alike.

1. Roof damage restoration

Falling trees, fire, high wind, and hail storms often cause roof damage. Initial roof assessment by a professional team, such as SERVPRO, is imperative for safety. Tarping the roof prevents secondary damage while the roof is inspected and repaired. An emergency board-up service can also be provided to protect the building from weather, animals, and illegal entry.

1. Disaster recovery team

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help with the damage caused by a tornado, hurricane, blizzard, or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster occur. 

• Flooding caused by heavy rains
• Hurricanes and tidal surges
• Tornadoes and wind damage
• Ice and snowstorms
• Wildfires

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Hurst, Euless, Bedford or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill-upgradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For storm restoration services, call SERVPRO® of Hurst-Euless-Bedford today at (817) 595-0004. or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com