3 Damage Myths You Can't Ignore after a Storm

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

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When a natural disaster strikes, people tend to panic and react irrationally. After all, no one wants to think about the potential consequences of these events. Unfortunately, people sometimes make ill-judged decisions after a storm or disaster. 

Plenty of misconceptions about damage from storms and other natural disasters can cost you dearly if you fall for them. If you're concerned about the damage to your home after a storm, keep these myths in mind to help you make smart decisions and avoid false information.

Myth 1: Opening Windows and Doors Speeds Up the Drying Process

The Truth 

This myth has been around for quite some time. Some people believe that opening the doors and windows of their homes can help speed up the drying process after a storm or flood. However, this isn't true.

Opening your doors and windows can make the drying process take longer. Why? Because it allows humid air to enter your home, which can worsen the problem. If you want to dry out your home after a storm, keeping the doors and windows closed is best. 

Opening windows and doors can also lead to the growth of mold and bacteria because of the humidity, which can cause health issues that are expensive to rectify.

Myth 2: Turning on the Air Conditioning Will Speed Up the Drying Process

The Truth 

While fans will remove some water from your home, turning on the AC is unlikely to speed up the drying process. However, it could do the opposite. The idea behind this myth is that the air conditioner will bring the indoor air moisture level down to the outdoor air moisture level, but it does not account for the humidity level already present in your home. If you turn on your air conditioner, the cool air will circulate throughout your home and could worsen the humidity. It will bring the indoor air to the same relative humidity as the outdoor air.

The water will need to evaporate from the indoor air at a slower rate because there is no extra humidity in the indoor air to evaporate the water. Additionally, running your air conditioner will only increase your electricity bill without actually doing much to improve the drying process.

Myth 3: Using a Dehumidifier Will Speed Up the Drying Process

The Truth 

A dehumidifier removes water from the air by condensing water into liquid, which is then removed from the unit. Since the dehumidifier removes water from your home instead of letting it evaporate, you may think it's speeding up the drying process.

In reality, a dehumidifier will slow down the drying process because the water collected in the unit is the same water that would have evaporated from your home. You should only use a dehumidifier after you've dried your home as much as possible. Using a dehumidifier before you've removed excess moisture from the air can slow down the drying process by increasing the humidity in your home.

What to Do after a Storm Strikes Your Home

If you've been caught in a storm and your home has been damaged, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. 

A reputable company will have a team of experts who will inspect your home for damage, assess the severity of the damage, and develop a plan to repair the damage. The company should also be able to provide you with a timeline for the repair process.

How to Choose a Restoration Company

When looking for a restoration company, you want to ensure they are reputable and have experience in storm damage repair. You should also ask them what their process is for repairing storm damage. You want to ensure they have the right equipment to dry your home and prevent further damage. Some companies may try to cut corners, so it is important to find a company that will do the job right.

Contact Us

When a storm or other disaster strikes, it's important to act quickly. Sometimes, it may even be too late to restore your home to its pre-storm condition.

SERVPRO is ready to respond to your call for help as soon as possible. Our highly trained technicians specialize in storm and water damage restoration. If you have storm or water damage, you can trust our team to get your home back to normal in no time. Call us at (225) 753-3434 today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.