Wind Damage Tips To Prepare Your Home for Future Storms

This week’s wild weather was not to be taken lightly. I’ve had calls from all over the area to fix roofs, repair gutters, and replace siding that was damaged. While high winds aren’t very common, they can cause major headaches for homeowners, especially those who have to go through the process of making an insurance claim. With that being said, here are my six tips for “weathering the storm” that inevitably comes with unanticipated damage to your home.

Check your policy now

Every insurance policy is unique and it’s really important to review your coverage annually to make sure you’re up to date with the inclusions and exclusions. Most homeowner's policies cover damage due to wind but other storm-related issues such as flooding are usually not part of the deal. The State of Connecticut Insurance Department has a basic homeowner’s storm damage FAQ on their website, but because all policies and insurers are different, it’s worth talking to your agent.

Be very careful

Damage can’t always be seen, so it’s important to exercise extreme caution. Inspect the power lines around your home as well as the trees. Even if nothing is down now, a broken limb could fall later, so it’s better to be diligent. Also, be sure to watch for leaks in the days and weeks after bad weather. High winds often rip off shingles, leaving roofs exposed to water. 

Make use of your camera

The most common types of storm-related damage are to roofs, windows, siding, and windows. As you inspect your home, take photos or everything and don’t move anything unless it's necessary. Video is also a great way to document any potential damage. The more evidence that you have, the better off you’ll be when you go to make an insurance claim. 

Call your insurance company

Once you’ve assessed any potential damage, you can get in touch with your insurance provider. Do this as soon as possible and be ready with all the documentation that you’ve collected. Your insurer will be able to assess the damage to your home and help you understand what's covered by your policy. They’ll also connect you to a claims agent if required.

Make repairs

After you’ve reported any damage, it’s time to clean up. Leaving exposed areas uncovered and not fixing leaks will create much bigger issues, so be sure to clear and patch any problem spots. Do not ever try to touch downed power lines or electrical equipment - report those to your electricity provider or even your town’s fire department. 

Hire a good, local contractor

Believe it or not, there are some hacks out there who chase storm damage, taking advantage of homeowners who need a fast fix. Don’t fall for these traps - look for someone local, reputable, who has a good track record, and is fully licensed and insured. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to get started.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

A Musty Basement Isn't Just an Odor Issue

A lot of people think that the musty scent of a basement is par for the course. Isn’t having a space that’s underground going to smell no matter what? The answer is actually no. Sure, basements are prone to higher humidity which means that it’s easier for mold and mildew to spore since moisture enables them to thrive. So that basement smell is actually mold, which, in addition to having a funky odor, can also cause decay and damage to a home over time. For people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory issues, the problem can be even more serious. 

The ideal humidity level for most homes is 50% or lower, but in basements, humidity can often skyrocket to 80%, which is the perfect environment for mold and mildew to flourish. If your basement seems extra damp, I highly suggest investing in a dehumidifier that will work to draw the moisture out of the air. You’ll be shocked at how quickly the holding tank on an average-sized unit fills. You may have to dump it daily, but in doing so you’ll be removing moisture that allows mold to grow in the first place.

Next, it’s time to purify the air. Overly humid areas attract a lot of bacteria, which is what causes the smell in the first place. That bacteria can live in walls and spread into your fabrics, furniture, and storage. By killing the bacteria in the air, you will remove contaminants that not only stink, but can also cause or irritate allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders.

One of the best air dehumidification and purification units I’ve seen is by a company called Aerus.  They produce a system that uses NASA technology to remove pathogens, pollution, contaminants, and even pet dander from the air. Regardless of what brand you go with, be sure to look for a unit that has the EnergyStar seal, and make sure that you pay attention to the capacity of the air filtration as it pertains to your room size. If you have a big space with a lot of moisture, you might want to consider a unit that has a self-draining system to save your back and your patience.

Regardless of your plan of attack, the air quality in your home should be taken seriously. If your kids are coughing or have allergies and you find yourself having difficulty breathing at home, it might be worth a call to your local contractor for an air quality inspection. The symptoms of a mold allergy are not dissimilar to a common cold, so a simple reading of your in-home humidity might be a smart first step.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

When Wet Winter Weather Brings Unwanted Guests Indoors

I recently received a question from a reader that I thought I’d share with all of you. She asked, “During the winter I sometimes get mice or rats in my house. I assume they are looking for a warm place to settle in and find food, but they aren’t welcome here! How can I deter them this year?”

My reader is right - her rodent problem absolutely has to do with the little buggers looking for a nice warm place to hide out from the winter weather and to grab a meal while they’re at it. Here are a few simple tips to reduce the chances of them making a home in yours.

Firstly, seal off the premises. Make sure doors and screens are always closed tight and look for breaks, rips or holes that lead outside. Generally, caulk is a good sealant, but weather stripping around windows and installing new door sweeps on doors will keep small animals out and will do double duty by helping to insulate your home.

For bigger areas such as the chimney, you can use a thick wire mesh to keep the critters away, just make sure the material is thick enough that it can’t be chewed through. Believe it or not, a mouse can get through a hole the size of a dime, so be diligent in your search for entry points.

Another tip is to make sure you don’t leave any food lying around. Mice and rats are pretty resilient to the cold, but they have to eat to survive and looking for a meal in your house is a lot easier than trying to find one outside. Many pet owners leave animal food out for long periods of time, which makes a delicious meal for a rodent. If a mouse can get into your house, the last thing you want to do is give them a reason to stay. Keep that food, pet or otherwise, sealed up tight.

Finally, watch that wood pile. A lot of people keep firewood stacked up next to a doorway or entry point, giving mice an easy in. Find a safe dry place for wood that’s a bit further from the door to deter unwanted guests.

If your home is susceptible to rodents and you’ve tried to get rid of them with no luck, you might want to consider having the problem dealt with by a pest control professional. There are plenty of traps, sprays, and natural solutions on the market, but using the wrong deterrent might drive pests up into the walls where they can start chewing on wires and causing long term, more expensive damage. A professional exterminator can help you to deal with the problem while keeping both your home and family safe.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.