5 Common Misconceptions about Storm Damage Repairs

No one wants to deal with storm damage repairs, but unfortunately, they are a fact of life for many homeowners. Whether it’s damage from snow, wind, water, or hail, storms can wreak havoc on our homes, displacing us and costing us thousands in repairs. With as much as you think you know about storms and the way they damage our property, here are five common misconceptions people have about storm damage repairs on their homes.

No damage is visible, so my house is fine

As comforting as it is to see no damage to your home after a strong storm, this doesn’t mean there actually is no damage. There could be minor damage that isn’t very noticeable, or damage under or around the foundation or roof that isn’t visible to you. Minor damage could lead to bigger, costly repairs in the future, so it’s important to have a licensed contractor look at your home after a strong storm to assess whether or not it is in need of storm damage repair.

Replacing damaged areas is cheaper than restoration

This is absolutely not true. If any areas can be safely and adequately repaired, you should choose to do this over replacing any damaged areas. Just because an area or item in your home came in contact with water or fire, you don’t automatically have to throw it away. It can often be restored with the specialized cleaning equipment restoration companies own, saving you the expense of having to purchase everything new. The contractor you hire can help you sort through which areas and items need to be replaced and which can be restored.

You can take your time making storm damage repairs

When there is storm damage of any kind to your home, it is important to start repairs as soon as possible. Leaving repairs too long can mean more damage to your home over time, especially if it’s a repair related to water damage. Not cleaning up water-damaged areas of your home can lead to mold growth, which causes more damage and can lead to health problems. Smoke damage also continues to destroy your home the longer it’s left to linger. The quicker you handle the problem the cheaper and easier it will be for you.

Your insurance covers repairs 100%

While this would be amazing, most insurance companies do not cover repairs 100%. Most will require a deductible, which you pay out of your own pocket. They will then only pay for covered repairs up to a certain amount. Mold and mildew damage is almost never covered, and some policies don’t contain coverage for flood damage. If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, or floods, contact your insurance company to make sure your home insurance covers repairs caused by these disasters.

You need to contact your insurance company right away

Your insurance company—and your repairs—aren’t going anywhere, so instead, get yourself and your family to a safe place (if your home is uninhabitable) and start calling home restoration companies. Most home restoration companies will work hand-in-hand with your insurance company, so they will handle the initial and subsequent contact as they work through the repairs your home needs.

If you are looking for a home renovation and restoration company, look no further than Atlantic Property Restoration. Contact us today to learn more!