Top Tips For Dealing With Window Damage After A Hurricane

Your windows are vital for protecting against outside elements such as wind, heat, and precipitation. However, in the case of a nasty storm, they may be broken or shattered. In that case, you need to repair and replace them as soon as possible, failure to do so may compromise your safety, security, and privacy.

Hurricanes bring winds as fast as 180 miles an hour, usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning. These storms may damage the windows explicitly or cause water to seep through weatherstrips into the frames.

While you can see huge damage to the windows, some damage may go undetected. For example, if there are leakages along the siding or structural damage, you may not know until water gets in or the window breaks, which could be months down the line.

So, it is a good idea to consider hiring a professional window contractor to look at the damage and recommend the best course of action. Here are a few tips to help repair your Florida home’s windows after storm damage.

Determine if the Storm Has Damaged Your Home

It is easy to tell if some damage has happened to your home after a storm. The physical signs will inform your decision to seek a professional contractor. High-speed winds and hailstorms can knock down trees and damage roofs in severe cases. Here are some common signs:

• Broken or shattered glass
• Holes, cracks, or dents in glass from debris or hailstone
• Dented or damaged frames, mostly from falling branches
• Cracked or chipped paint on wood or siding

Check for Water Damage

While the above signs are easily identified by an inspection, you may not notice water damage until it is too late. Water risks may damage the home’s structure and lead to the formation of mold. Here are a few signs of water damage:

• The presence of fog between the glass panes
• Brown, yellow, and copper discoloration or water spots
• Signs of peeling, crackling, or bubbling paint
• A musty smell in the basement and corners of the room

Find a Contractor and Contact Your Insurance

If you detect any damage, make sure to contact your homeowner’s insurance provider and get a professional window contractor. Before you contact the insurance provider, do the following:

• Take images and document the damage
• Keep away from shattered glass
• Fill in a claim form and provide as much information as required
• Arrange an appointment with an adjuster who will come to inspect the damage
• Ensure that you have a contractor before the meeting

Consider The Following For Your Contractor:

• Verify their name, address, telephone number, and references
• Ensure that the contractor is licensed and insured
• Get at least three contractors and compare their bids
• Make certain that you have a copy of the signed agreements and any additional warranty terms
• You should only make the final payment when the contractor completes all the work

Here Is A List Of The Types Of Contractors To Avoid:

• Contractors going from door-to-door for window damage repair
• Contractors who only accept cash
• Those without local references
• Those who demand payment before delivering materials
• Contractors who are not licensed and insured
• Companies that offer promises of extra-cheap work if you hire them

A professional contractor will survey your home, identify the damage, make the required repairs, and provide tips for preventing future damage. Bozarth Contractors is a Florida state licensed contractor offering quality window repair services. Contact us today for a free estimate for your window replacements or water damage repair.