You could lose a lot of money not taking the proper precautions to repair or prevent your home following the destruction of your structure. Understanding the dangers that could cause structural damage will assist you overcome them quickly and return your home to its original state.
What is structural Damage
Damage to the structural structure is defined as any damage that seriously impacts or compromises the fundamental structural integrity of your house or property. This includes foundations wall, roof, and walls. If structural damage occurs the structure could no longer be able to support it which puts it in risk of collapse or failure. Take into consideration the following risks:
Water Structural Damage
A house could be affected by water damage if it’s due to water getting into tiny cracks in the basement, foundation, or wall of the crawl space. Damage to the structural structure can happen if the water damage is not addressed or is severe. The damage could be caused by:
- Wood that has been rotten
- Growth of mold
- The growth of bacteria
- Metal/steel that is rusty
- Woods that swell from composites
- Materials that de-laminate, such as plywood
The structure of the home may lose strength or sink into ground.
Water damage can be caused by pipes that burst, leaks as well as appliance malfunctions and flooding caused by extreme weather.
Restoration of Water Damage Repairing water damage begins by breaking the source for the water. Take note of the following steps:
- Stop water supply
- Get rid of the pooled water
- Clean up all affected areas and fixtures
- Repair any structural damaged structures
- Cleanse the areas affected and fixtures
Tips: Hire a professional water damage removal firm to fix and secure your home prior to allowing loved ones to return.
Water Damage Prevention Although some disasters cannot be predicted There are steps that you can adopt to limit the chance of flooding in the future:
- Always inspect all water-based equipment to ensure the proper operation and connections to the water source
- Get your sewage and plumbing lines checked annually
- Repair any leaks that are small immediately.
- Keep your flood insurance up to date
Tips: Keep the contact information for your trusted water removal service kept in your phone or in an easily accessible spot at home.
Structural Damage to Trees
The last thing you’d think of causing destruction to the structure of your house is a tree. It can occur, and if it does, be prepared to act. The impact of a fallen or wind-driven tree to your home could cause wall and roof damages (obvious) and structural or plumbing damages (not always evident). If a tree falls upon your home, take these steps:
- Contact your insurance provider
- Record all damage and destruction of possessions
- Maintain detailed records of emergency assistance and medical care
- Protect your home from more damage (tarp on the roof, put boards on the windows or doors, etc.)
- Remove the tree legally
- Engage professionals to restore or replace the damage
Tree Repairing Damage Remember that the harm caused by the impact of a tree can be extensive and not be noticed. You can protect your home from damage by having:
- Structural inspections by general contractors
- Inspection of plumbing by a plumber
- Electrical inspection performed by an electrician
Tips: Leave nothing to chance after a tree has damaged your property. Make sure it is repaired and inspected in the shortest time possible.
Protection from Tree Injury Make sure you are ensuring the stability and health that you have in your tree(s) by using them to:
- Pruning is done in the spring and summer.
- Fertilized
- Watered
- Each year, the area is inspected for signs of illness and infestation
Tips: Hire a certified arborist to examine the condition of your tree(s) and suggest treatments and measures for care.
Fire Structural Damage
A destructive events within a house is the occurrence of a fire. Apart from burning furniture, carpets walls, floors and so on. In addition, the water used to completely end a fire could be equally destructive. If a fire breaks out in your house take these steps after it has been completely extinguished:
- Contact your insurance provider
- Record all damage and destruction of possessions
- Maintain detailed records of all the emergency services and medical treatment
- Protect your home from more damage by boarding windows, fixing doors, etc.)
- Employ professionals to restore or replace the damage
Repairing Fire Damage Damage from fire can be extremely widespread and can last (odors) for a long duration in your home. Similar to other catastrophes such as:
- Inspection of structural integrity by an general contractor
- A plumber will inspect the plumbing of a home.
- Electrical inspections performed by electricians
The Fire Damage Prevention – Consider these steps to limit or completely eliminate the possibility of a fire bursting within your home:
- Inform your family members on the safety of appliances (space heaters toasters, space heaters, etc.)
- Make sure that your electrical system is checked and updated as needed
- Install a fire-retardant appliance in your kitchen
- Make sure your fire extinguishers are available and charged
- Make sure your fireplace is cleaned every year
- Install smoke detectors at your home
Tips: Once you identify the possibility of fire hazards in your home, remove them.
