What Kinds of Tropical Storm Damages Can I Expect to My Pensacola Home and Property?

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can repair damage to homes caused by high winds from tropical storms.

SERVPRO of West Pensacola Can Help You If You’ve Experienced Storm Damage

If you have resided in Florida for quite some time, you know full well the effects of tropical storm damage on a home.  If you’re new to Florida, you may want a primer on what to expect and how SERVPRO can help.

A very powerful storm system, tropical storms are a lot like a hurricane. Even though they are a bit less powerful than a hurricane, tropical storms can still cause plenty of damage. In just the Southeastern United States, there have been over six billion dollars in damages from storms that have hit since 1979. 

What are Tropical Storms? 

A type of storm system which forms in tropical environments is a tropical storm. These storms, characterized by very low-pressure systems and swirling high-speed winds, are classified as tropical storms when a particular set of circumstances exist. For it to be called a tropical storm, wind speeds need to be between 39 and 73 miles per hour. Higher and lower wind speeds make it another kind of storm, with lower known as a tropical depression, and higher winds referred to as a hurricane. 

Some of the more common areas in which tropical storms are known to form are in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, near Australia, the South Pacific, and the Arabian Sea. 

Common Kinds of Storm Damage from Tropical Storms 

The two leading causes of damage from a tropical storm are water and wind.  

• Water damage includes storm surges, torrential rains, swells and large waves, plus mud slides.
• Wind damage includes flying debris, high winds, and the like.

Flying Debris and Wind Damage 

High winds are one of the main characteristics of tropical storms. Here are the main kinds of damage you’d expect if a tropical storm hits your area. 

Roof Damage 

High winds can dislodge shingles and other roofing materials without impact from forces outside. Wind storms also can knock down limbs and trees, while sending flying, dangerous debris over far distances. If debris impacts a property, it can cause damage to the roof and other areas of the structure which are extensive. Commonly seen is damage to the gutters of a structure from both the buildup of the debris in the gutters or from an impact. 

Siding and Window Damage 

Flying debris can cause considerable damage to the sides of structures. Tree branches which strike a window at 30 miles per hour will most likely shatter the window. Also susceptible to this kind of damage is siding. 

HVAC/AC Damage

External cooling and heating units are at risk from falling branches or trees and flying debris. 

Property Damage 

You should expect to have plenty of debris to clean up after severe windstorms. 

Automobile Damage 

Damage to your vehicle very common during a wind storm. Dents, broken windows, paint damage and scratches are frequent. Park automobiles in a garage if possible, or cover them with a car cover to provide some protection from the elements. 

The other primary causes include storm surges, torrential rains, and mudslides, which can cause flood damage, mold damage and damage to the interior of your structure. 

SERVPRO of West Pensacola can handle any of your damages from tropical storms, so make sure to get in touch with us right away if you experience a tropical storm in your area at (850) 469-1160.  

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