Navigating Storm Damage: A Homeowner’s Guide to Repair in Eagle, Idaho

The diverse weather patterns in Eagle can lead to various forms of storm damage. Being able to identify these can help you take swift action. Here are some of the most common issues homeowners face:

Wind Damage

Strong winds are a frequent companion to storms in Idaho. These winds can cause:

• Roof Damage: Shingles can be lifted, loosened, or torn off completely, exposing the underlying roof deck to the elements. This can lead to leaks and significant water damage.
• Siding Damage: Vinyl or wood siding can be cracked, dented, or dislodged by high winds and flying debris.
• Fallen Trees and Branches: Trees and large branches can fall onto homes, causing structural damage to roofs, walls, and windows.
• Damage to Gutters and Downspouts: Wind can bend, detach, or clog gutters and downspouts, impairing your home’s drainage system.

Water Damage and Flooding

Heavy rainfall often accompanies storms, leading to potential water intrusion and flooding. Issues include:

• Roof Leaks: Water seeping through damaged shingles or flashing can cause stains on ceilings and walls, and compromise insulation.
• Basement Flooding: Excessive rain can oversaturate the ground, leading to water entering basements and crawl spaces.
• Interior Water Damage: Water can damage drywall, flooring, furniture, and personal belongings. Unaddressed water damage can also lead to mold growth, posing health risks.

Hail Damage

Hailstorms can be particularly destructive, even small hailstones can cause significant issues. Look for:

• Roof Dents and Bruises: Hail can impact asphalt shingles, creating soft spots or granule loss. Metal roofs may show visible dents.
• Siding Dents and Cracks: Siding materials, especially vinyl and aluminum, are susceptible to denting and cracking from hail.
• Window and Skylight Damage: Hail can crack or shatter windows and skylights.
• Damage to Outdoor Fixtures: HVAC units, decking, and outdoor furniture can also be damaged by hail.

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to do so, taking prompt action is crucial to mitigate further damage and ensure a smoother recovery process.

1. Prioritize Safety

Your safety and the safety of your family should always come first.

• Stay informed by listening to local news or weather radio for updates and advisories.
• Be cautious of downed power lines, unstable structures, and standing water. Never touch downed power lines.
• Check for the smell of gas. If you detect it, turn off the main gas valve if you know how and contact the utility company immediately.
• Wear protective clothing, including sturdy shoes, long pants, and gloves when inspecting damage.

2. Document the Damage

Thorough documentation will be invaluable for insurance claims.

• Take photos and videos of all damaged areas, both inside and outside your home. Be as detailed as possible.
• Make a list of damaged belongings.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance provider about the damage as soon as possible.

• They will guide you through the claims process and may send an adjuster to assess the damage.
• Keep records of all communications with your insurance company.

4. Prevent Further Damage (Temporary Repairs)

While waiting for professional help, take steps to prevent the damage from worsening.

• Cover broken windows or holes in the roof with tarps or plastic sheeting to keep water out.
• Remove standing water if possible and move wet items to a dry area to prevent mold growth.
• If safe, turn off electricity to affected areas to avoid electrical hazards.

5. Call a Professional Restoration Company

Contact a reputable storm damage restoration company like Restoration Authorities. Experienced professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle complex repairs and ensure your home is restored correctly.

• Look for a company with experience in various types of storm damage, including storm damage restoration, water extraction, and mold remediation.
• Ensure they are licensed, insured, and can provide references.

Working with a professional restoration company involves a systematic approach to ensure your property is returned to its pre-storm condition. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect from Restoration Authorities:

Emergency Response and Assessment

Upon contacting Restoration Authorities, we provide a rapid emergency response. Our team will arrive promptly to assess the extent of the storm damage. This initial inspection is crucial for developing an effective restoration plan.We’ll identify all affected areas, including hidden damage that might not be immediately obvious.

Water Extraction and Drying

If your home has suffered water damage, our first priority is to remove standing water using powerful pumps and vacuums. Following extraction, we employ industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry all affected materials, including carpets, drywall, and structural components. This step is vital to prevent mold growth and further structural issues.

Debris Removal and Cleanup

Storms often leave behind a significant amount of debris. Our team will safely remove fallen branches, damaged building materials, and other storm-related debris from your property. We ensure the site is clean and safe for the subsequent repair and reconstruction phases.

Damage Repair and Reconstruction

Once the property is dry and clear of debris, we begin the repair and reconstruction process. This can range from minor repairs like replacing shingles or siding to more extensive work such as roof reconstruction or interior rebuilding. Our skilled technicians are experienced in all aspects of reconstruction and remodeling, ensuring high-quality workmanship. If the storm damage also involved fire or smoke damage, we have specialized techniques to address those issues as well.

Working with Your Insurance

Restoration Authorities has extensive experience working with insurance providers. We can help document the damage, provide detailed estimates, and communicate directly with your insurance adjuster to streamline the claims process, ensuring you receive fair coverage for the necessary repairs.

• Ada County, where Eagle is located, experiences thunderstorms that can produce heavy rain, hail, lightning, and high winds.
• Straight-line winds, common in thunderstorms, can cause damage comparable to that of a weak tornado.
• Idaho has a higher risk for earthquakes than many realize, ranking fifth in the nation according to FEMA. While not storm-related, it highlights the importance of overall disaster preparedness in the region.
• The Boise River reaches flood stage on average once every five years, which can impact nearby areas like Eagle.
• Hail damage to vehicles and homes is a common occurrence in the Treasure Valley.

Living in Eagle means being prepared for various weather events. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) and Ada County Emergency Management provide resources and guidelines for severe weather preparedness. Key preparedness steps include:

• Creating an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio.
• Developing a Family Communication Plan: Designate an out-of-state contact person and ensure all family members know how to reach each other.
• Staying Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather forecasts, especially during storm season.
• Securing Your Property: Trim trees and shrubs around your home to minimize the risk of falling branches. Secure outdoor furniture and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Knowing Your Insurance Coverage: Review your homeowner’s insurance policy annually to understand what is covered in case of storm damage.

By taking proactive steps, Eagle residents can better protect their homes and families from the impacts of severe weather.

• Downburst: A strong downdraft that causes damaging winds on or near the ground, common in thunderstorms.
• Flashing: Thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint or as part of a weather resistant barrier (WRB) system.
• Flood Stage: The water level at which a river, stream, or other body of water has risen to a sufficient height to cause flooding of local areas.
• Gust Front: The leading edge of rain-cooled air that spreads out beneath a thunderstorm.
• Mitigation: The act of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something. In restoration, this refers to actions taken to prevent further damage.
• Microburst: A localized column of sinking air (downdraft) within a thunderstorm, usually less than 2.5 miles in diameter. Microbursts can cause extensive damage at the surface.
• Remediation: The process of correcting or remedying something, particularly environmental damage. Mold remediation involves cleaning, sanitizing, and/or removing mold-contaminated materials.
• Straight-Line Winds: Any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation, and is used to differentiate from tornadic winds.
• Structural Damage: Damage to the home’s framework or foundation that compromises its stability and integrity.
• Water Extraction: The process of removing standing water from a building, typically using specialized pumps and vacuums.