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Protecting Your Home From Storm Damage in New Jersey

As a homeowner in New Jersey, storm damage can be one of the most destructive, costly and scary experiences you might encounter. Unfortunately with our mild climate, storms occur often during all times of the year! While nothing is fully guaranteed to protect your home from potential damage due to severe weather systems, there are some important steps that homeowners should take as precautions - and Green Restoration & Reconstruction is here to help support your needs if storm damage strikes. In this blog post we’ll discuss practical ways for protecting your home from possible storm damages in New Jersey.

Understand Your Risk of Storm Damage in New Jersey
New Jersey, often referred to as "The Garden State," is no stranger to the wrath of Mother Nature. As a coastal state, it is susceptible to frequent and powerful storms that can result in significant damage to property and infrastructure. Understanding your risk of storm damage in New Jersey involves recognizing the potential hazards associated with living and working in this location. Tropical storms, hurricanes, snow blizzards, and even tornadoes can all wreak havoc on this beautiful state. No matter where you reside in New Jersey, being aware of the risks and taking preventive measures is essential. By staying informed about weather conditions and implementing necessary preparedness measures, you can reduce the impact of these storms on your life and lessen the potential for property damage or injury. Embracing this awareness will not only safeguard your assets but also contribute to a more resilient community, better equipped to face the challenges posed by severe weather conditions.

Prepare Your Home for Storms with Proper Maintenance
When it comes to protecting your home and family from the adverse effects of storms, proper maintenance is essential. An adequately maintained home not only ensures everyone's safety inside but also helps minimize potential property damage during these inevitable natural occurrences. Begin by assessing the integrity of your roof, windows, and doors, as these should be capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, regularly trim branches or remove trees that might pose a threat during strong winds, as well as secure or stow away outdoor items that could be hazardous if tossed around. Additionally, keep gutters and downspouts clean to allow for efficient water flow and avoid any potential flooding issues. By paying extra attention to these vital details, you can provide a more secure environment for your loved ones, while also preserving the long-term value of your cherished home.

Be Aware of the Different Types of Storm Damage
As we go through life, it's important to be aware of and prepared for the different types of storm damage. Weather-related havoc may often be unpredictably devastating, but by familiarizing ourselves with the varied ways in which storms can inflict harm, we are better equipped to handle these natural disasters. From the brute force of hurricanes to the stealthy destruction of hailstorms, every storm has its own mechanism of causing damage. Be it the torrential downpour of a rainstorm overwhelming a home's foundation or the merciless winds of a tornado tearing rooftops apart, numerous unforeseen consequences can arise from these turbulent events. It is crucial for individuals to not only heighten their knowledge about storm damage but also to take the necessary precautions—such as reinforcing their homes, acquiring insurance protection, and creating emergency response plans—to protect their loved ones and property from these jeopardizing calamities.

Invest in Home Insurance to Protect Your Assets
Home insurance is a crucial component of being a responsible property owner, as it allows you to safeguard your valuable assets in the event of unexpected disasters or unforeseen damages. By investing in a robust home insurance policy, you have the peace of mind knowing that your hard-earned investments are protected, giving you the confidence to focus on living a fulfilling and stress-free life. Incidents such as theft, fire, natural disasters, or accidents in the home can lead to devastating financial losses that can be overwhelming to cope with. With the right home insurance coverage on your side, you can mitigate the impact of any unfortunate circumstance and maintain your family's well-being and the stability of your financial future. So, take the proactive step of exploring various home insurance options available in the market, and find a solution tailored to your unique needs that will protect both your physical and financial assets.

Know How to Safely Secure Your Property During a Storm
As unpredictable and destructive as storms can be, it is essential to ensure the safety and security of your property during such challenging times. Taking proactive measures not only limits the potential damage to your home or business, but it also gives you priceless peace of mind. To effectively safeguard your property, make it a priority to inspect your roof and gutter system for any vulnerabilities, as these are often the first line of defense against strong winds and torrential rains. Equally important are securing outdoor items and debris that could become hazardous projectiles in the midst of a storm. Moreover, investing in storm shutters and reinforcing weak spots in doors and windows can significantly reduce the likelihood of forced entry or unwelcome intrusions by stormwater. Above all, always follow local weather alerts and emergency guidelines because staying informed is the key to staying safe. Do not hesitate to consult with professionals for an expert assessment and personalized guidance on fortifying your property for severe weather events.

It is important to take the necessary precautions to protect your home before, during, and after a storm hits. New Jersey residents need to be aware of their risk of storm damage, have proper maintenance of their home, be knowledgeable of the different types of damages that can occur due to storms, have homeowners insurance for protection against extreme weather, check the local forecasts before leaving home, and know how to safely secure a property in an emergency. Taking these steps can make a huge difference when it comes to protecting your family and property from extreme weather. For those times when you find yourself needing aid after storm damage has already occurred, Green Restoration & Reconstruction can step in to help restore your home so you can get back on track quickly.

Water Damage / Wind Damage - 05/01/2023
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What to Do When a Tree Falls On Your House

When a tree first falls on your house, it can be a pretty scary experience. With luck, no one in your family is harmed. But the emotional pain of seeing your home damaged by a tree can be great. What follows can be just as stressful. That's why the team at Green Restoration & Reconstruction would like to prepare you for what to expect, and if necessary, work with you and your insurance company to restore your property back to pre-loss conditions.

First, immediately evacuate the house.

If you're near the house when it falls, be careful. There could still be live electric lines or structural damage nearby that can injure or kill you if not handled carefully. Do not let children or anyone approach the area before professionals give you the green light. Gas lines may also have been damaged in the fall, which could result in fire or explosion and structural damage may cause additional parts of the house to cave in.

Nothing is more important than getting your family safely out of the house. Once everyone is out of the house and safe, you want to contact your insurance company.  You may want to hire a public adjuster to assess the damage as well, as they are financially motivated to be more detail-oriented in their assessment of the situation.

A professional arborist should be employed to remove the tree. Be sure the tree service has good reviews, is comfortable working with insurance companies, and has sufficient insurance themselves. Beware of ghost insurance policies that don't cover all of the tree company's employees.

Once the tree has been removed, it's important to restore your home to pre-loss conditions as quickly as possible. A common mistake homeowners make is to hire their favorite non-emergency contractor. Some contractors are absolutely excellent at what they do but don't necessarily have the experience working with insurance restoration claims to work efficiently with the insurance companies throughout the process, and often have other large work scheduled that pulls their attention away.

With Green Restoration & Reconstruction, quickly responding to emergency reconstruction calls is our specialty. It is our mission to get your family safely back into your home.

Here are some examples of what can happen when a tree falls on your house:

The weight of the tree can push siding or shingles off, exposing insulation or framing that's not meant to be visible. Materials like this must be replaced with matching materials in order for an insurance claim to payout. If the tree falls on your roof or gutters, they will be destroyed, necessitating either repair or replacement by an insurance claim.

Windows or doors near the fall site may be damaged and require replacement. In some cases, wiring or piping may need replacing near the damage site. Chimneys and vents may be damaged and in need of replacement or repair. In extreme cases, an entire section of the house may need to be rebuilt, and the foundation may even be affected.

Our team at Green Restoration and Reconstruction can assist you in the restoration process, no matter how minor or extensive the damage is.

Remodeling / Uncategorized / Wind Damage - 09/15/2021
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How to Tell if There is Structural Damage from a Storm

When storms strike, they can do a lot of damage to your property. Storms have been known to cause significant structural damage from flooding and wind damage. Storms may also lead to fire from lightning strikes and electrical malfunctions, which can cause further problems for your home and family. If you notice signs of structural damage after a storm has passed, it is crucial that you take the problem seriously and call the team at Green Restoration & Reconstruction as soon as possible. Storms can break your home, but they do not have to destroy it.

The first thing to know about storm damage repairs is how to tell if there really is a problem at all. There are a few ways that storms can cause major issues for your home. Storm damage can cause flooding, whether it is from torrential rain or broken pipes, which may lead to water damage and mold if not dealt with quickly. Storms can also wreak havoc on your roofing system, leading to leaks and holes that could pose a hazard for your home. Storms can even cause electrical problems, such as short circuits and malfunctions that can lead to a fire. Storm damage may be a bit more obvious if there is a huge hole in your roof or a lightning bolt through your living room, but the earlier these problems are addressed, the better for everyone involved. Storms don't always show their face as obviously as tornadoes and hurricanes do, so it can be more difficult to detect storm damage on your property.

Signs of Structural Damage

The signs of storm damage are important to know. If you are unsure about whether or not your home has storm damage, there are a few things to look for that could indicate structural damage. Storm damage can cause cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors if it causes shifting of the foundation. Storms can also bring high winds that lead to siding damage on your exterior walls or shingles.

Signs your foundation has been compromised include:

  • Cracks in the floors and walls around doorframes, windows, or staircases.
  • Cracks in your foundation (horizontal cracks are the most dangerous)
  • Holes or cracks in walls or floors.
  • Your home is shifting from its originMissing shingles

Signs your roof has been compromised include:

  • Missing shingles
  • Blistering, softening, or other signs of rotting wood.
  • A shift in the pitch of your roof.
  • Water leakage inside your home near the chimney and vents.

Signs your Drainage System has been compromised include:

  • Water coming up through your basement floor
  • Water coming in through the walls
  • Leaks inside your home.

The good news about storm damage is that it can be fixed. Storm damage may have caused structural issues, but it does not have to affect the integrity of your home. Storms are just one of the things that Green Restoration & Reconstruction excel at handling. We understand how important your family is to you, and we know that any kind of damage to your home can cause a lot of extra stress. Storm damage may not always be obvious, but the earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to fix.

If you notice any signs of storm damage on your property, contact Green Restoration & Reconstruction as soon as possible. Storms don't have to destroy your home if they're caught early enough. If left unaddressed, storm damage can cause even more problems for you and your family. Storms may bring rain, but we'll bring the sunshine back to your home.

Storm damage is a stressful experience, and we understand that it can bring up a lot of questions about your home. If you notice storm damage or have already been informed by your insurance company that there may be storm damage, reach out to Green Restoration & Reconstruction as soon as possible. Our team will work with your insurance company to get the repairs you need and to restore your home to pre-loss conditions.

Remodeling / Water Damage / Wind Damage - 08/15/2021
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Wind Damage to My Home

Oh, the beauty of the changing seasons, the heat of summer leaving on the cooling breezes of Autumn. Except when those breezes turn to winds that get carried away and do damage to your roof and home.

Straight-line winds of 50-60 miles per hour are considered damaging winds. These winds can not only strip shingles from your roof, but also damage soffits among other issues.

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To protect your home, you need to be aware of potential threats:

  • Make sure your doors and windows are securely fitted.
  • Secure your roof, check for loose shingles which can then also become projectiles.
  • Ensure your garage door is in good condition.
  • Check your trees for loose or failing branches.
  • Store anything that might become airborne, including the pool slide, children’s play equipment and lawn furniture.

No one thinks about it, but windows are designed to withstand pressure up to certain point before breaking. And while on occasion it will be simply wind pressure breaking a window, more than likely it will be a projectile hitting the window that causes it to break.

Wind speeds can cause different damages:

  • At 45 to 57mph: Wind can cause loose shingles to break off or cause loss of granules, the sandpaper-like part of the shingle.
  • At 58 to 74 mph: Wind can toss entire tree limbs or uproot trees. Rip off well anchored shingles and damage chimneys.
  • At 75 mph or more: This when significant damage is going to happen regardless of precautions taken.

Due to the damage wind can cause, there is also the possibility of leaking inside the home. If either the fascia or the soffits are damaged due to wind this can cause leaking inside the home. The fascial and the soffits are both required for a stable roof and gutter.

After assessing the damages, you want to talk to a company that knows how to make your home whole. You want a company that knows how to talk to your insurance company about reconstruction services as well as a company that will listen to YOU for how you want the remodel to go. Green Restoration and Reconstruction is the company for you. They have years of experience in remodeling and expertise in dealing with the parameters of what is your insurance and staying within budget.

Being prepared for the worst is being proactive against it. Having the right insurance coverage and the right team to assist in making things right again is a peace of mind worth having. Green Reconstruction and Remodeling is the right company for your family to make the worst of times better.

Wind Damage - 10/15/2020

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