Vacation coming up? Don’t Come Back to a Disaster!
wiltonconstruc • July 8, 2021
Relieve stress and Reduce the Impact of Hurricanes and Floods on Your Property
Mitigation can keep natural hazards, like hurricanes and flooding, from having disastrous impacts. Let’s look at a few tips and tricks for keeping your property safe and mitigating your risk and ease of mind when traveling during hurricane season.
First – KNOW Your Risk Factors!
Before you can mitigate risk, understand what you are protecting your property from. For example, if you live in a hurricane prone area, a flood plain, near an earthquake fault, etc., educate yourself and your loved ones about risk and have an emergency plan in place for when natural disasters occur. In Richmond, we know that multiple areas are prone toward flooding. Lakeside and the bottom are two examples.
Wind / Hurricanes Mitigation
- Before going away in Hurricane season, have your roof inspected! Some roofs are more susceptible to high wind than others. If your roof needs added bracing for reinforcement, it’s better to know that BEFORE you head on vacation! Let’s get a Roofing expert out to ensure all is well for your peace of mind!
- Consider having a roofing contractor install hurricane straps to your roof. Hurricane straps will help your roof stay firmly attached during a strong wind event. This is especially important for our friends living near large bodies of water where wind is particularly strong.
- Have garage doors? Might want to have a contractor reinforce them before you head out, just to make sure they don’t fail under strong winds!
- Before you leave, take a look around your property. Make sure to remove any loose debris like tree branches, roof shingles, furniture, etc.
- Power lines can always be an issue during a hurricane. Make sure you have been following standards about keeping those trees pruned around your power lines!
- If you are in a particularly bad area, might consider putting up hurricane shutters or impact resistant windows.
Flood Mitigation
Have a professional come out and inspect your home if you haven’t had that done recently. They may be able to reassure you that you are not at risk. If you have any vulnerable areas, they may suggest some of the following:
- Raising any mechanical units and electrical systems above the Base Flood Elevation.
- Installing floor vents in garages, foundation walls and other enclosed areas. Floor vents will allow water to drain out.
- Using flood-resistant materials in areas below the Base Flood Elevation to prevent water damage.
- Installing a back-flow valve in your sewer system to prevent sewer backup into your house.
- Adding waterproof veneer to exterior walls to prevent flooding from damaging the lower exterior of your home.
Nothing is worse realizing you have substantial storm damage and didn’t have a comprehensive wind or hurricane insurance in place to cover your property. Before you head on vacation, make a call to your insurance company and verify coverage just in case!
Learn more about our full line of mitigation services:
Our Emergency Preparedness Team is available for urgent assistance with tree removal, basement flooding and temporarily protecting your property and minimizing secondary disaster damage.
Our Fire Damage Restoration & Mitigation services can save your home from devastating destruction. Even the smallest of fires contained in a single room can cause significant damage to other surrounding areas due to smoke, soot and extinguishing chemicals.
After damage from sources such as a slow leaking toilet, sewage system failure, a roof leak or flooding after a severe storm, frozen pipes or fire extinguishing chemicals, the race against the clock begins to prevent mold, mildew and rot from seeping in.
Property owners may be left with fallen trees, wind and water damage to the exterior as well as interior of their home, a fire due to fallen electrical or gas lines, roof damage and so much more. Immediate recovery assistance is critical for the safety of your family, preventing additional damage and costly repairs.
Acts of vandalism to your family home or business are emotionally and financially devastating. Once your property is invaded and unsecured, your exposure to additional theft, vandalism, weather or animals entering becomes an immediate concern.
Our Emergency Response Team is ready to assist your family and business team with safety preparation. As you coordinate your family or employee communication plan, our professionals will be tackling critical items to keep your property as safe as possible.
Every second is critical when your bottom line is impacted by fire, water, or storm damage. With over thirty five years in the mitigation, restoration and commercial construction industry, our Estimating Team will work with your Insurance Company to expedite opening your doors.
The post Vacation coming up? Don’t Come Back to a Disaster! appeared first on Wilton Construction.
You might also like
When a fire impacts your home or business, getting fast, professional answers is the first step toward recovery. As Richmond’s trusted restoration experts since 1983, Wilton Construction is here to guide you through the process. What should I do immediately after a house fire? Once the fire department declares the property safe to enter, call a professional restoration company. Do not attempt to clean soot or smoke damage yourself, as improper handling can permanently stain surfaces or spread toxins. How long does the fire restoration process take? The timeline depends on the severity of the damage. A small kitchen fire may take a few weeks to deodorize and repair, while major structural damage can take several months. Wilton Construction provides a detailed project timeline after our initial inspection. Can smoke odor be completely removed? Yes. We use industrial-grade air scrubbers, thermal fogging, and ozone treatment to neutralize odor molecules at the source rather than just masking them. This ensures your home smells fresh and is safe to breathe in. Does Wilton Construction work with my insurance company? Yes. We have decades of experience working with all major insurance carriers in the Greater Richmond area . We provide the necessary documentation, photos, and estimates to help your claims process move as smoothly as possible. Why choose Wilton Construction for fire damage restoration service in Richmond, VA? 24/7 Emergency Service: We offer immediate board-up and roof tarping to secure your property. Full-Service Licensed Contractor: We don’t just clean; we are Class A contractors who can handle everything from soot removal to total structural reconstruction. Local Expertise: We’ve proudly served Richmond, Midlothian, Chesterfield, and Powhatan for over 40 years. Need Emergency Fire Restoration in Richmond? Whether you need fire, storm, or water damage restoration service in Powhatan County, VA , contact Wilton Construction 24/7 at 804-794-4362 to start your recovery today.
When a problem is out of sight, it shouldn’t be out of mind. In Central Virginia, hidden environmental hazards can compromise your home’s air quality and structural safety. Below are common questions we receive at Wilton Construction regarding specialized restoration. What are the signs of a moisture problem in my crawl space? The most common signs include musty odors in the home, cupping or warping hardwood floors, high indoor humidity, and visible mold on floor joists. In the Richmond area’s humid climate, if your crawl space isn’t sealed, moisture is likely migrating into your living structure through the "stack effect." What is the difference between crawl space "insulation" and "encapsulation"? Traditional insulation (fiberglass batts) often traps moisture and sags over time. Crawl space encapsulation involves lining the entire space with a heavy-duty vapor barrier, sealing vents, and installing a dehumidifier. This creates a conditioned, bone-dry environment that prevents wood rot and improves your home's energy efficiency. How does a damp crawl space affect my family's health? Up to 50% of the air on the first floor of your home originates in your crawl space. If that space has mold or high humidity, your family is breathing in spores and allergens. Proper moisture control and encapsulation are essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ). Does Wilton Construction handle hoarding cleanup and odors? Yes, we provide discreet hoarding remediation and professional odor removal. We use advanced technology like hydroxyl generators and thermal fogging to neutralize deep-set odors rather than just masking them with scents. Why is Wilton the best choice for specialized cleanup in Central Virginia? Unlike general cleaning companies, Wilton Construction is a licensed Class A Contractor. We don't just clean the surface; we have the structural expertise to repair the underlying damage, whether it's replacing rotted floor joists or performing full-scale reconstruction after a trauma. Restore Your Peace of Mind Today Don’t let a hidden moisture issue or a sensitive cleanup situation become a long-term liability for your property. If you need an expert crawl space inspection, our fire and water damage restoration service in Powhatan County, VA is ready to provide the professional, discreet, and thorough service you deserve. Call our 24/7 emergency line at 804-794-4362 right now or visit our Contact Page to schedule a professional assessment with Richmond's most trusted restoration team.
Water damage spreads quickly, and delays can increase repair costs. If your home or business experiences water damage in the greater Richmond area, it is vital to follow the correct steps immediately to limit structural damage and reduce the risk of mold. Step 1: Check for Safety Hazards If water is near outlets, appliances, or wiring, do not enter flooded areas until the electricity is shut off. Standing water combined with electricity can be dangerous. If visible structural damage is present, wait for a professional inspection before entering the space. Step 2: Stop the Water Source Shut off the main water supply if the damage is caused by plumbing or an appliance. If water is entering from outside, such as storm flooding, focus on preventing additional water intrusion where possible. Step 3: Document All Damage Take clear photos and videos of affected rooms, flooring, walls, ceilings, and personal belongings. Proper documentation supports insurance claims and establishes the condition of the property before restoration begins. Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Provider Report the water damage as soon as possible. Ask about coverage, required documentation, and next steps. Avoid permanent repairs until the claim has been documented or approved by your insurance provider. Step 5: Remove Surface Water (If Safe) If conditions allow, remove excess water using towels, mops, or a wet vacuum. This only reduces surface moisture and does not replace professional drying or moisture detection. Step 6: Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional Water often spreads behind walls, under flooring, and into insulation. Professional water damage restoration companies utilize specialized moisture detection tools and commercial-grade drying equipment to prevent mold growth and minimize structural damage. How Long Can You Wait After Water Damage? Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. Materials such as drywall, wood, and insulation can deteriorate quickly if moisture is not properly removed. Immediate restoration reduces long-term damage and repair costs. When to Call Wilton Construction Wilton Construction offers professional Water Damage Restoration Service in Powhatan County, VA , and its surrounding areas, including Richmond, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Amelia, and Cumberland. Moreover, Wilton Construction’s water damage services include moisture detection, structural drying, cleanup, and repairs. Our team works directly with insurance companies to streamline the restoration process. Water Damage Restoration in Richmond, VA If you experience water damage, taking immediate action is critical. Following these steps and contacting an experienced restoration company can protect your property and prevent further damage. For water damage restoration in the greater Richmond area, contact Wilton Construction today to schedule an inspection!
