Though hurricane and tropical storm season is officially June 1 through November 1 each year, storm activity usually begins to pick up in August and September. As the busiest part of the season approaches, now is a great time to review your hurricane preparations. The team at Maven Construction Group, which has restored many homes affected by hurricanes and tropical storms in Gainesville, offers these tips.
Though Gainesville is inland, it’s still a good idea to map out an evacuation route, just in case. Contact your local government to find out what route is best for your area and, if possible, test it in normal weather.
Every home should have a hurricane kit, even if you plan to evacuate ahead of the storm. Kits should include:
Food and bottled water should also be kept in the kit. Allot one gallon of water per day to each person in the household, and have provisions for at least three days. Nonperishable foods, such as canned soups and vegetables, cereals, and granola bars, are the most appropriate.
You have homeowners insurance for ‘what if’ situations, and a hurricane or tropical storm fits this category. Review the policy to double-check what types of Gainesville, FL, storm damage are and aren’t covered. Most standard home insurance policies don’t provide flood coverage, which needs to be purchased separately.
After the storm passes, call Maven Construction Group for help cleaning up and repairing these common types of damage. Our team provides fire, water and mold remediation Gainesville, FL, residents can rely on.
Flying debris and high winds can damage even the sturdiest siding. When the exterior of a home is cracked, interior walls and insulation materials are exposed and prone to water and wind damage. Water intrusion is common in this situation, and if the damage remains undetected, the home may eventually need mold removal services.
Moisture damage occurs when water enters the home through the roof or broken doors and windows. When the storm has passed and it’s safe to leave your sheltering area, examine the home for water intrusion. Signs to look for include:
If you find any of these issues, call the Gainesville restoration experts with Maven Construction Group. Moisture that isn’t removed quickly can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Roof damage can range from a few missing shingles to large parts of the roof torn away by high winds. When it is damaged, the roof is unable to adequately stop rain and debris from entering the home.
The best time to protect your home from hurricane damage is before a watch is issued. Maven Construction Group suggests starting with these three areas.
Make sure each door has at least one working lock mechanism to stop the door from flying open during the storm. If you have storm shutters, close them over the windows. Otherwise, cover all windows with plywood sheets at least five-eighths of an inch thick. If your home has a garage, remember to brace the garage door. There are several types of bracing kits available at major home improvement stores.
From the ground or carefully using a ladder, inspect your roof for damaged, loose, and/or missing shingles. Repair or replace shingles and seal areas where wires enter the home to prevent wind-blown rain from seeping in. In older homes, consider using hurricane straps to secure the roof trusses to the load-bearing wall studs.
Damaged or dead tree branches and limbs are commonly a reason for needing storm damage repairs. Broken limbs can land on fencing or be blown into your house or roof. Pruning or trimming trees on the property before the winds pick up will reduce the chance of tree-related storm damage.
Whether the damage to your property is minimal or major, Maven Construction Group is ready to help your life return to normal. We offer 24-hour response and work directly with insurance companies. Our team is fully licensed and has experience in all areas of property restoration, including leak detection Gainesville, FL, homes and businesses often need after a storm. Call us today!
Locally owned and operated in Gainesville, FL, Maven Construction Group is a licensed general contractor, Angie’s List Certified Contractor, and is accredited and A-rated by the Better Business Bureau. Maven has delivered the best damage restoration and reconstruction services in North Central Florida for more than 15 years.
Certified General Contractor Lic # CGC1519003 Certified Mold Remediation Lic # MRSR2344