Recovering from storm damage in a log home requires careful inspection, repair, and prevention measures to restore the home’s structural integrity and protect it from future storms. Knowing who to contact for help in severe damage situations is key, such as Fema.gov. Also, having a plan on immediate actions in the recovery process matters. Here is a step-by-step guide to the storm recovery process;
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Safety First
Inspect for hazards:
Before assessing the damage, ensure that the area is safe. Watch for downed power lines, damaged roofs, or unstable trees that could fall.
Check for structural damage:
Look at the foundation, walls, roof, and chimney for significant damage that could make the home unsafe to occupy.
Turn off utilities:
If there is significant damage, especially near the electrical system or gas lines, turn off the utilities until you can safely assess or have a professional inspect them.
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Assess the Damage
Exterior Logs:
Check the logs for cracks, splinters, or signs of water infiltration. Any logs that have shifted or been displaced by wind or debris need immediate attention.
Roof and Gutters:
Examine the roof for missing or damaged shingles, flashing, or leaks. Check gutters for clogs, detachment, or damage from debris.
Windows and Doors:
Look for broken glass, damaged frames, or issues with weatherstripping that may let water or air in.
Chimney and Fireplace:
If you have a chimney, inspect for cracks or damage that could make it unsafe to use.
Water Damage:
Look inside for any signs of water damage on ceilings, walls, or flooring. This includes leaks or pooling water from damaged roofs or walls.
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Temporary Repairs
Cover damaged areas:
Use tarps to cover roof damage, broken windows, or exposed logs to prevent further water damage while you arrange repairs.
Clean up debris:
Remove any fallen trees, branches, or other debris that could cause additional harm or block access to the home.
Remove excess water:
If there’s water inside, mop up or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water, and set up fans or dehumidifiers to prevent mold and mildew.
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Log Repair and Replacement
Minor cracks:
Small cracks can be sealed with caulk or log home sealant to prevent water from getting inside the logs and causing rot.
Splintered or damaged logs:
Logs that have split or been significantly damaged by the storm may need to be replaced. It’s important to use properly treated and dried logs for replacements.
Chinking repair:
If the chinking (the material between logs) is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced to maintain a tight seal against the elements.
With years of experience, our team is able to do small chinking and caulking repairs up to the entire home. Give 888 Log Guys a call to help asses your needs.
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Roof and Window Repair
Roof repair:
If shingles are missing or damaged, they need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent leaks. In severe cases, roof sections may need to be rebuilt.
Gutter repair:
Fix any gutters that were damaged or pulled loose, ensuring proper drainage to avoid future water damage to the logs.
Window and door replacement:
Replace broken windows and repair or replace damaged frames to restore the home’s weather-tight seal.
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Interior Water Damage Restoration
Drying out:
If there was water infiltration, it’s important to dry out the affected areas quickly to prevent mold. Remove soaked insulation, carpets, and drywall if necessary.
Mold remediation:
If mold has already started growing, hire professionals to remove it safely. Mold can pose serious health risks if not properly handled.
Repairs:
Replace any damaged flooring, drywall, or insulation to restore the interior to pre-storm condition.
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Professional Inspection and Repairs
Structural assessment:
Have a professional inspect the home’s foundation, roof, and logs for hidden damage. This is especially important if your home has shifted or if there are signs of deeper structural issues.
Log specialists:
Consider hiring a log home specialist to repair or replace damaged logs and ensure the home’s structural integrity is maintained. Log replacement can be a complicated process, we have replaced miles upon miles of logs and are ready to help restore your home.
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Insurance Claims
Document the damage:
Tae photos and videos of all the damage before starting repairs. This will be important for filing an insurance claim.
Contact your insurance company:
Notify your insurance company about the damage and follow their procedures for filing a claim. They may send an adjuster to assess the damage. The team at 888 Log Guys will be happy to provide an estimate for repairs for you to present to your insurance company.
Keep receipts:
Save receipts for any temporary repairs and materials you buy, as they may be reimbursable.
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Help Prevent Future Storm Damage
Trim trees:
Regularly trim back trees that are close to the home to minimize the risk of them falling on the house during a storm.
Reinforce the roof:
Ensure your roof is properly secured and consider storm-resistant materials in areas prone to severe weather.
Seal and protect logs:
Apply protective finishes and sealants to logs to help them resist water damage and UV degradation.
Storm shutters:
Consider installing storm shutters or reinforced windows to protect your home from high winds and flying debris.
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Ongoing Maintenance
Regularly inspect the home, especially after harsh weather, to catch and repair any damage early. Keeping up with maintenance can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems after a storm.
While there are some storms that you just can’t prepare well enough for, following these steps will help you recover if you’ve already experienced storm damage and better protect your log home from future weather events.
