Hurricane Ian FAQ
Signal House Builders Is Here For You
To help those who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian, we’ve included an outline of frequently asked questions designed to help you stay informed and educated as you embark on your rebuild or restore journey. If you’d like to ask questions and speak with our team directly, please reach out any time. The Signal House family is here to support you every step of the way.
My home was damaged in a hurricane, what do I do now?
Begin to assess the damage (both interior and exterior) and document it with photos. Photos can help speed up the claim process and even help contractors when they do a more thorough inspection of your property and home.
Do a quick survey of the exterior to find any glaring structural damage to your roof, windows, doors, fence, shed, pool, etc. If you see any pieces or large sections of shingles or tile missing, you will want to deal with that immediately to prevent further damage to the home. The same is true with windows.
That brings us to the inside of your home. Be on the lookout for flood residue, standing water, or water spots on your floors or walls. This suggests flood damage and you will need to reach out to a water mitigation / flood restoration contractor to begin the clean-up process.
Many contents, such as carpet, furniture, appliances, etc. that came in contact with flood water will need to be removed and thrown away.
Drywall may also need to be removed to the height of the water level of the flood.
Ceiling water marks could indicate roof leaks and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Who do I call to repair my home after a hurricane?
Once you’ve assessed and documented the damage to your home, your next step is to contact a local, certified, licensed contractor after a hurricane that you can trust. Contact Signal house to inspect your home before you file a claim so that you can communicate more accurately the extent of the damages at the beginning of the claims process.
We have developed processes and logistical procedures that are unique to working with each individual residence. Our degree of experience and expertise in the SWFL market is unsurpassable. We pride ourselves in transforming any existing space into a one-of-a-kind dream residence, a dream residence that speaks to you, a dream residence that you can call your own.
Ideally, you will want to find a contractor that can perform multiple trades or services, like roofing and water damage restoration. At Signal House, we serve as a one-stop-shop and handle everything on your behalf in order to ensure your experience is stress-free and that your project remains on schedule and on budget throughout.
How does a hurricane damage a home?
The three main culprits of hurricane damage are wind, flooding, and mold. We’ll discuss all three now.
Wind Damage
Wind damage from a hurricane depends on the severity or category of the storm. A Category 1 hurricane has sustained winds of 74-95 mph while a Category 5 hurricane has winds speeds that exceed 157 miles per hour. Most roofs in the state of Florida are required to have specific fasteners and shingles or tiles that can withstand ~100 mph wind. That being said, large hurricanes can exceed those amounts and can result in debris striking your home – which shingles and tile are not designed to withstand.
Flood Damage
Flood damage from a hurricane occurs from either the storm surge associated with the hurricane or flash flooding from creeks and storm water systems massively overflow. Flood water may become contaminated with sewage or chemicals, which can ruin any contents or surfaces it touches. Flooding and storm surges can also cause structural damage to your home and, in some cases, result in large debris impacts.
Mold Damage
Mold is typically the result of flooding and water damage as warm temperatures combine with moisture or standing water. Mold can grow on contents, walls, surfaces, etc., and can be very harmful to your health. Mold must be dealt with ASAP to prevent further spread throughout the home.
How do you file a hurricane damage claim?
The two main ways to file a hurricane damage claim are by phone or online. Make sure that you have your policy handy when filing a claim as you may be asked to provide specific policy information that you might not know off hand. Also, if you file online you may need to first create an account or profile.
How do you clean a home after a hurricane flood?
The two primary ways to clean your home after a hurricane flood are Water Mitigation and Mold Detection and Remediation.
Water Mitigation
Water Mitigation deals mainly with removing water and moisture from your home. This includes water extractions (pumping, draining, vacuuming, etc.), dry-out (industrial fans and dehumidifiers) and restoration (preemptively removing building materials that have been exposed to flood water).
Mold Detection and Remediation
Mold Detection and Remediation detecting mold and using chemicals to remove it from contents and surfaces throughout your home. You may also have additional cleanup on the perimeter of your home such as removing downed trees and other large debris.
Contact Signal House Builders today to get started with your Hurricane Ian Cleanup!
We’re ready to assist in getting your life back in order. Contact us now.
