While many types of storms have the potential to cause damage to your home, the large waves caused by a hurricane storm surge tend to pose the greatest threat to property. Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas is a residential and commercial emergency cleanup service located in Carrollton and serving North Dallas and the surrounding areas. Here, we explain why hurricane storm surges may potentially cause the most destruction to your home.
What Is a Hurricane Storm Surge?
A hurricane storm surge occurs when water is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving cyclonically around the storm and can cause extreme flooding. Wind speeds within 74 mph classify as hurricanes. A storm surge typically begins with an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides.
Hurricanes also generate powerful storms that can cause severe damage beyond coastal areas. If you live in a tropical or subtropical area susceptible to hurricanes, consider formulating a protection plan with your family. This plan should include a meeting place and a shelter location to wait out the storm.
Why Do Hurricanes Cause Such Damage?
While many storms cause significant destruction to properties, few have as large an impact on the home as a hurricane storm surge. Since a hurricane begins due to water levels, flood damage is one of the main concerns. Carrying both water and high wind, hurricanes can cause the following damage to homes:
- Structural damage: Flooding may cause a multiple-story home to collapse due to the hydrodynamic forces caused by the moving water. Flooding can also affect the home’s foundation by causing cracks or similar damage.
- Wall destruction: Water weighs approximately 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, and extended pounding by waves may demolish any structure not designed to withstand such forces, including walls and flooring.
- Roof deterioration: The extreme winds of a hurricane may tear or lift even the strongest roofs off homes and buildings.
- Utility destruction: Flooding and wind can destroy electrical lines, telecommunication towers, and water lines.
- Interior home disruption: As a result of structural, wall, and roof damage, heavy rains and flying debris may enter your home, affecting flooring and furnishings. Mold damage is another common disruption in the home after a hurricane.
Even a quick hurricane storm surge might result in substantial and costly damage to a residence. While physical damage to your home is extremely upsetting and unfortunate, there are steps you can take to adequately prepare for these types of storms. Individuals living near the coast should pay attention to the signs that a hurricane is coming. Some indicators may be heavy rainfall, a swelling ocean, high winds, and dark clouds.
Seek Restoration Repair After a Hurricane
Even the most prepared homeowner may experience hurricane damage, as these natural disasters affect people indiscriminately. Anyone located in North Dallas or the surrounding area seeking emergency clean-up services after a hurricane can count on Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas to make their homes look like they did before the storm hit. Located in Carrollton, we have expertise in various storm repair services including flood damage, mold remediation, wind and storm restoration, and mitigation for large losses. For additional information on hurricane home repair in the North Dallas area, contact us today.
