Nature happens. If you live in an area that is highly susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, chances are you know the drill – you have your evacuation route planned, an emergency pantry in place, and plenty of strong tape and boards for windows and doors. After the storm hits, however, you should know to put a new plan into action and quickly assess any damage done. This means being watchful of possible repairs to make to walls and plumbing.
What To Look For After The Storm
Once the wind and rain has subsided, you need to inspect your home to ensure minor problems now don’t become more troublesome issues later. Broken windows and felled trees are easy to spot, but leaks in your pipes and malfunctioning HVAC systems can be more difficult to spot – even if those problems existed before the big storm, you must contact a contractor or repairman to handle replacements before the weather gets cold. Some things to look for in the aftermath of bad weather include:
1) Bugs: Heavy winds and standing water left after a storm can introduce all sorts of unwanted critters in your home. This is a good time to inspect the weatherstripping around the house and make sure the darker corners of your basement and attic are free of pests.
2) Pipe Leaks: If by chance a tree in your yard uprooted, you might experience problems with your pipe system as well. Watch the way water flows in your toilets and faucets, and look out for slow drains. A call to the plumber could be in order.
3) Mold: The chance that mold will grow inside your walls rises after a storm, especially if the foundation and structure were faulty to begin with. If you think you might have a problem, check it now before it effects your health.
Home repairs, while a seeming headache, won’t appear as bad if you tackle the problems quickly and efficiently. If your home weathers a hurricane, do your best to make sure it stands well in any season.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach plumbing and Virginia Beach doors replacement.