There’s more to worry about than broken windows and leaking roofs when inspecting a house for damage. You have to make sure there’s no live power in or around a house. Make doubly sure that main breakers at the electrical service entrance are off. If you’re in doubt, wait for the power company or electrician to check it out.
Preliminary repairs are meant to keep damage from getting worse.
Any temporary structural repairs that can be made will require some creativity since there’s likely to be a shortage of materials. The most common repairs will involve nailing plywood or taping heavy plastic to broken windows, ceilings and walls.
Tips:
- If the building has shifted or the floors have settled badly, it may be necessary to install temporary bracing until extensive work can be done. To prevent flooded wooden floors from buckling and warping further, remove a board every few feet.
- Cover damaged roof sections with heavy plastic or roofing felt anchored in place with wooden boards to help prevent leaks until permanent repairs can be made. Be especially cautious; damaged roofing may be loose or slippery.
- Remove any mud and debris while they are still moist.
- Check the attic and walls; remove all wet fiberglass and cellulose insulation and disinfect the area by spraying on a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Saturated fiberglass insulation will not dry and eventually will cause wood rot and mildew problems.
Dry well to prevent future damage
- If your home was flooded, it must be disinfected and dried thoroughly to prevent mildew and future damage by wood rot. Areas wetted by clean rainwater, for instance from a leaking roof, do not need to be disinfected. All wet areas must be allowed to dry thoroughly.
- When planning permanent repairs, consider using flood-resistant materials or floodproofing your house. Check with the local permit office or building official to see if a building permit is required.