Secondary Damages | SERVPRO of Marlton/Morningside

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Marlton/Morningside if you experience any storm damage. We have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster.

How to Protect Your Home Against Secondary Damages After a Storm or Fire

Whether your home was damaged by a storm or a fire, secondary damages are a real concern. The term secondary damages refers to the types of damage that occurs after but as a result of the initial event. For example, if your roof was damaged during a storm, water damage that occurs during subsequent storms, as a result of the damaged roof, would be secondary damages. Fortunately, options exist for preventing these damages.

Tarp Over Services

A properly installed roof tarp can provide protection for up to three months — plenty of time to settle insurance issues and schedule a repair. The key is to contact a damage restoration and mitigation company immediately so they can apply tarp and dry out any moisture in your attic before further damage occurs.

What to Expect

Professional tarping services are much more secure than the average DIY job. Professionals first remove the debris and measure the damage to ensure that they use the correct tarp size. Tarps must be larger than the damaged area to ensure moisture cannot penetrate the roof.

Further, the tarps must be positioned so that water cannot flow underneath them, which is achieved by always bringing the tarps over the peak opposite the damage and sandwiching the edges beneath boards so that future winds and storms will not pull the tarp free.

Window Boarding

Not all window damage results in broken glass. Damage to the seals or frames can be just as devastating, since moisture can still get into the home.  Signs that you need damage control include damp ceilings below an upstairs window, moisture leaks in around your windows, bubbling paint on the walls surrounding your windows, or mold on the window frames.

What to Expect

Professional boarding services are able to cover your windows without causing permanent damage to the frames or your home's siding. Boards are cut to fit each specific window. Any damaged glass is removed, and then the window may have a sheet of plastic to keep out moisture.

Once the window is covered with plastic, the boards go into place. The boards typically screw into the frame or siding, but the damage can be patched after the window is replaced. Keep in mind that boards are more for security and to prevent further damage, not moisture prevention.

Mold Prevention

Mold growth can begin in as little as 24 hours after water damage occurs. If you suspect that your home suffered damages and that moisture is still present following a storm or fire, then schedule a visit from a damage contractor within the first day.

You must notify your insurance company to let them know that you have a contractor coming out to mitigate secondary damages. The insurance company may require specific documentation, including photographs and reports, if mitigation begins before an insurance adjuster has a chance to view your property.

What to Expect

The best strategy to minimize mold growth is to quickly dry out the home. First, pump out any standing water in the home. Once this is complete, move furniture, personal items, and rugs to a dry location. The carpet may also need removal, especially if it is not salvageable.

Once the room is clear, the contractors will begin the full dry process. Typically, a combination of water extractors —similar to powerful industrial vacuums — and industrial fans quickly remove the water. A biocide treatment may also be applied at this point to minimize the chances of mold growth.

Contact SERVPRO of Marlton/Morningside for more information on repairs and restoration after damage occurs to your home. We want to help get your home back to good condition.