North Carolina suffers from natural disasters, and like much of the east coast the most common are hurricanes and floods. Eastern and Central North Carolina are among the most vulnerable regions in the country when it comes to damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. On average, more than a handful of hurricanes and tropical storms make landfall on the east coast each year. We hope a natural disaster never requires you to need water damage restoration services from a company like APR Restoration, but if you ever need help handling water damage to your home we are here to help. As we approach September, our typical peak of hurricane season here in North Carolina, it is important to know that facts about water damage from hurricanes, and that we have locations in Raleigh, Wilmington, and New Bern should you ever need assistance.
What To Look For
After a serious event like a tropical storm or hurricane, it’s not safe to assume you can just open your windows to completely get rid of water damage. If you are unsure if you incurred water damage, it’s important to reach out to a company like APR Restoration for an inspection. Your home may have suffered water damage by several methods; storm surge flooding, wind-driven rain, and plumbing leaks are extremely common.
- Water Damage to Your Floor: If you have a carpeted floor and you notice dampness in the carpet, at the very minimum this carpeting needs to be thoroughly dried as soon as possible. In more extreme scenarios, the carpeting may need to be completely taken out to be sure it can be dried all the way to the base of the floor. If you have a wood floor you may notice a wavy appearance to the floor, often called cupping, and this is a clear indication of water damage. This flooring almost certainly needs to be repaired or replaced. If you have a tile floor you will want to look for deteriorated grout and cracks or gaps in the flooring.
- Checking For Roof Leaks: The underside of roofing and the attic space is extremely prone to rotting and infestations of mold. With the combined effects of high-speed winds, possibly damaged roof tiles, and not 100% watertight homes, you’ll want to make sure you don’t notice unwanted water in the attic. This can cause several hazards, including electrical fires due to the wiring in many home’s attics, as well as possible leakage to the ceiling of the home which can cause water spots and permanent damage to the ceiling.
- What Type of Water Damage: Hurricane water usually comes in the form of grey water (water with some bacteria, such as water that has gone down a shower drain or kitchen sink) or black water (inherently unsafe and often contains human waste).
If You Have Questions or Need Help
Whether you have sustained minor damage to your property, or your building needs partial restoration or full reconstruction, APR can help. If your property has been affected by storm damage don’t hesitate to call APR Restoration any time at 877-942-7762 or fill out our online contact form for prompt service.
