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Stay off the roof. All roof-surface tarping and ladder work should be left to an experienced crew.
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Control leaks with buckets and plastic sheeting, board up broken windows or wall openings with plywood or plastic, and dry out rooms and surfaces to prevent mold and rot.
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Work safely around power: treat downed lines as live, run generators outdoors at least 20 feet from openings, and don’t use electrical equipment in wet areas.
So far in our Texas storm series, we’ve discussed what to do after a storm to stay safe, document damage, and begin the insurance claims process. But what can homeowners do to minimize damage while they’re waiting for a crew to complete permanent repairs? That’s what this article is about: temporary DIY actions you can take now to make sure openings and leaks don’t turn into long-term mold and structural issues.
Water is Leaking into My Home—What Should I Do?
If water is getting in, you need to collect it in a container. For drips from the ceiling, that’s easy enough. A bucket may suffice. But for bigger problems involving multiple leak points or one large one, you’ll need to create a controlled path to route the water away from your home’s surfaces.
For instance, this can be done by hanging plastic sheeting from the ceiling or attic joists so it forms a chute, routing water into a container. You can additionally protect floors and furniture by lining them with plastic. As they fill up, rotate buckets out. This will significantly limit your home’s exposure to water, buying time before permanent repairs begin.
Once this is done, begin drying the area with fans and dehumidifiers. The goal is to keep indoor humidity near 50% or less. If it’s humid outside, opening windows may not solve this problem. If porous items can’t be dried within 24 to 48 hours, stubborn mold problems may arise.
How Do I Fix Broken Windows and Holes in My Home?
If flying debris, hail, or strong gusts of wind have broken your windows or created other openings in your home, you should board and cover the open space as soon as possible. As we’ll cover next, if the opening is on your roof, you should not climb onto your roof and tarp it.
Because these are only temporary DIY fixes intended to minimize damage, you can simply fasten plywood and plastic coverings over the opening. These should be fastened securely into studs. The goal is to create a weather-resistant seal that keeps rain and pests out until a crew can make permanent repairs.
Once the opening is closed, it’s time to move electronics, rugs, and furniture out of wet areas and begin the drying process. If outdoor air is dry, then crack windows to ventilate while you run fans. If outdoor air is muggy, close them up and let dehumidifiers do the work. If you suspect mold has grown, avoid running central HVAC through that area until it’s inspected.
Safety Limits For DIY Storm Repairs
Electricity first. If there’s standing water, and you can’t reach the main breaker from a dry spot, stop and call an electrician. Never plug in or unplug cords with wet hands. Don’t use corded tools on damp floors unless they’re approved for wet locations, and always use outlets or power cords with GFCI protection when possible. Of course, all cords and connections should be kept out of water.
Now, let’s talk about downed lines. If a storm was strong enough to damage your home, it was likely strong enough to take down branches and throw debris that may have damaged power lines. Treat every downed wire as energized. Stay back, keep others away, and notify first responders to secure the scene.
As you leave your shelter room to inspect damage after a storm, be vigilant for structural warning signs. Leave any room with a bulging ceiling, spongy floor, or shifting wall. There’s no sense in investigating these further. Only a professional will be able to evaluate and fix the problem. Keep your family safe, and focus on problems you can mitigate.
Avoid all roof-surface tarping and ladder work. Keep that for a trained crew with fall protection. You’ll be able to assess the vast majority of damage from the ground, and your adjuster and roofing contractor will handle closer inspections themselves.
Once that’s done, it’s time to think about not just repairing but storm-proofing your roof. To avoid fraud, inadequate materials, or shoddy workmanship, you should consult our resources:
We’re Here to Help
Need more information? If you have any questions or need assistance with damage, contact DFW Roofers at (469) 751-4018 or schedule an appointment through our online appointment form.