Every summer, Long Islanders brace for impact as big storm systems come rolling up the Atlantic. Long Island’s peninsular geography means coastal homes are extra susceptible to storm and water damage.
But though homeowners from Montauk to Long Beach know the hurricanes inevitably return, year after year, not everyone takes the right precautions. Yet time is ticking. Climate experts predict increasingly severe and frequent weather patterns – the odds of your property suffering some type of storm damage are only increasing. Proper preparation before hurricane season is more important than ever if you want to keep your property intact. With 20 years of Long Island expertise, the licensed professionals at Lux Restoration can help.
Facing the threat to your Long Island property
Surrounded by the Atlantic on three sides and facing ever rising water levels, properties on Long Island properties are battered by frequent storm surges, heavy rainfall, and powerful winds that can rock the most sturdily built homes.
The aftermath of these weather patterns can be severe: flooded basements, devastated roofs, or other types of structural damage. But the damage doesn’t even have to be obvious for water to infiltrate your property. If storm damage isn’t taken care of effectively, your property becomes a sponge for environmental humidity and the perfect habitat for mold growth on Long Island.
Mold starts growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure, making rapid mold remediation crucial following any storm event. Unlike your handy man, Lux Restoration’s IICRC-accredited specialists use industrial equipment to eliminate the tiniest mold spores. Their rapid response team is available 24/7, whether you need mold remediation in Westchester or on Long Island.
Want to avoid excessive damage and costly reconstructions? Here are 4 essential pre-hurricane season preparation that Long Island homeowners should take:
1. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home
Inspect your property thoroughly for structural vulnerabilities. Begin this task outside of summer and well before hurricane season hits full force. This gives you enough time to hurricane-proof your home.
A good place to start is the roof, an easy entry point for water during storms. Look for loose or damaged shingles and worn seals around vents or chimneys. When inspecting the doors and windows, make sure that all weather seals are intact. Tip: You might want to install storm shutters for window protection.
Next, check for cracks in the foundations as these cause water to seep into basements or crawl spaces. Finally, clean out gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your foundation. Did you know that poor drainage is a leading cause of water damage during heavy rainfall?
2. Storm-proof your yard
Structural reinforcements are an obvious way to hurricane-proof your home – but many homeowners forget that the yard is your home’s first line of defense.
Start by giving your trees a haircut. That gorgeous maple might look good but overhanging branches could soon cost you thousands in roof repairs. If your yard has puddles that never seem to disappear, that’s trouble waiting to happen. Either install French drains or regrade your yard to slope away from the foundation. An expensive fix – but worth the money when successive storms hit.
Another tip is to install backflow valves on your sewer lines. Floodwater mixing with sewage creates a nightmare scenario no homeowner wants to face. A plumber can knock this out in an afternoon, saving you from the most disgusting cleanup job imaginable.
A last thing, don’t forget to bring the patio furniture inside.
3. Get ready for water removal emergencies
No matter how well you prepare, Mother Nature remains unpredictable. Having equipment ready for quick water extraction can mean the difference between minor damage and a major mold problem. How to be prepared for a flood or water infiltration?
- Have absorbent materials ready: mops, towels, and other water-absorbing can quickly help manage small water intrusions.
- Get a quality wet/dry vacuum: For smaller water intrusions, these tools can quickly remove standing water before it soaks into building materials.
- Consider a sump pump: If your home has a basement or is in a flood-prone area, a heavy-duty sump pump with battery backup can continue working even during power outages.
With these DIY-preparations and a plan for both prevention and response, Long Island homeowners can reduce the risk of water damage and subsequent mold growth during hurricane season.
But for the situations that require professional help, keep a phone number for professional water damage in Southampton on quick dial. Lux Restoration’s rapid response team is at your doorstep in 60 minutes to immediately start water extraction.
