How Different Kinds of Storms Can Damage your Saugerties Home

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

No two storms are the same, check your insurance and be prepared no matter what!

We all have our favorite weather channel, website or app on our phones and t’s true that no one can predict to 100% what a storm will do, but it’s important to take weather advisories seriously every time they’re issued. Weather and atmospheric conditions can vary at the drop of a dime and change by terrain, temperature, location and other factors. Some might pass through and bring gentle showers, others can cause extreme amounts of damage in a short time. You might even hear of your friend down the road in Glasco with a flooded basement when you’ve gotten barely a thunderstorm.

To give homeowners in Ulster County an idea of what to expect when severe weather is forecasted, we have compiled the four most common types of storm damages that can happen to a home. The effects of a severe storm can range from mild to severe, and it is important to know what your homeowners insurance policy will cover and won’t as well as to prepare for when hazardous weather is coming your way. 

Lightning Damage Lightning strikes occur around 25 million times each year, and yes- it is possible for lightning to strike the same place twice. When lightning strikes a home, it can cause fires, electrical issues and structural fractures. If your home is struck by lightning, having an expert inspection by a fire department, building inspector and electrician is key as lightning damage could also increase your chances for electrical fires in the future. 

Hail Damage Hail is caused when the storm pushes rain clouds upward enough that the water droplets are frozen solid before passing through to the ground. Hail damage is commonly considered for cars that are parked outside, but it can also wreak havoc on a house’s roof, drainage systems and can even break windows if conditions are right. 

Flood Damage Flooding is one of the most dangerous things that storms can lead to. While thunderstorms typically cause what are known as flash floods, they can also lead to more long-term flooding when conditions are right. Flood damages can be detrimental to a home and its contents and cause hazardous conditions due to the contaminated water and other structural dangers. It’s vital to know what flood insurance you do have, it’s limitations and exceptions before something happens. Call your insurance agent today to get clarity.

Wind Damage In some cases, severe storms can have winds as significant as a tornado would, and they often last much longer. We all can remember a “straight line storm” that was thought to be a tornado by the shear damage it left. Some severe weather can cause damage beyond recognition, especially if they face an open area or are in a spot where they might be particularly vulnerable to winds. Fires can start, glass and debris can be airborne, and the structure could be unstable and dangerous. Seek shelter immediately somewhere else until the area is deemed safe by officials.

SERVPRO of Kingston/New Paltz are storm damage specialists. If you’re dealing with any damage to your Ulster County home, call us 24/7 to get your restoration process started right immediately! We’ll help make it "Like it never even happened."