Five ways to avoid broken windows, water intrusion, and flood damage

2/17/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Media provides flood restoration services for homes and businesses that have been damaged by water intrusion and flooding from storm damage.

SERVPRO® of Media, PA, offers flood restoration services to Media, PA, and the surrounding metro Philly area. The area is no stranger to severe weather. Over the last twenty years, over a dozen hurricanes and tropical storms have impacted Pennsylvania, including Media and the Philly area. The strong winds and heavy rains never fail to cause wind, water, and storm damage to homes and businesses caught in the harsh weather. The high winds can shatter windows, causing serious water damage.

Windows allow sunlight to stream into the home, bringing with it the following benefits:

• Saves on power bills by reducing the need for artificial lighting
• Promotes a sense of comfort
• Reduces eye strain
• Stimulates productivity by enhancing mood and improving air quality
• Invigorates house plants which in turn benefits the occupants of the home
• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Provides Vitamin D and helps with reducing seasonal affective disorder
• Improves sleep
• Increases the value of the home

Protecting the home’s windows is a top priority. Strong, straight-line winds, heavy hail, or wind-driven debris can damage the glass, allowing water to enter the structure and cause significant damage. Below are practical tips to ensure that the only thing that enters the home through the windows is sunlight.

1. Install protective storm shutters

Storm shutters constructed of natural wood or composite material are strong enough to withstand the stresses of high or hurricane-force winds. Initial installation requires some planning and scheduling, and the project is best implemented when the skies and the forecast are clear. These shutters are an excellent option and can be reused whenever severe weather threatens.

Bonus budget tip: Use thick (at least 5/8-inch) plywood if storm shutters are not available or are not in the budget. The plywood works well, is easily installed, and can be stored and reused. If the winds are strong enough to launch heavy debris such as lawn furniture, toys, bicycles, tree limbs, or garbage cans, the plywood makes a strong shield to protect the windows and everyone inside the home.

2. Avoid taping windows

Applying tape in an X-shape to the inside of the windowpane is useless in strengthening the windowpane and, in fact, may increase the risk of serious injury if the pane should break due to the high winds. The tape prevents the window from breaking into smaller, less harmful shards. The safest course of action is to stay away from windows, storm doors, and sliding doors during severe weather. An interior closet or bathroom is best unless the home has a basement, which is the safest place to seek refuge from severe weather.

3. Close windows to prevent wind and water damage

Hurricanes and tornadoes are associated with areas of low atmospheric pressure. Contrary to popular belief, opening a window does not keep the panes from shattering from the positive pressure inside the home. In fact, the house allows the positive air pressure to dissipate very quickly. The windows are in no real danger. An open window will let wind-blown rain flood the room, causing extensive water damage. Close all windows to keep the home dry and safe.

4. Store potential projectiles in a safe place

Strong winds can send heavy and light objects tumbling across the yard at dangerous speeds. These hurdling torpedoes can smash through screened porches, car windows, and house windows. Swing sets should be solidly anchored in the ground. Yard items that can take flight include garbage cans and lids, lawn furniture, bicycles, plastic toys, tools, a wheelbarrow, and light lawn ornaments. Windows can shatter upon impact, sending a shower of glass shards into the room.

5. Install impact-resistant window film

Window film, also referred to as anti-burglary film, covers the entire pane. If the window does break, the film holds the pieces together, avoiding the dangers of glass shards flying through the room or littering the floor. No impact-resistant film makes a windowpane “hurricane-proof.” The window may be held together in the adhesive grip of the impact-resistant film even though the entire home collapses under the stress of gale-force winds. Avoid using impact-resistant window film as a substitute for storm shutters or plywood.

What to do when storm damage and flooding occur

High winds, heavy rains, and flash flooding can cause extensive property damage needing immediate attention. When water is knee-deep in the basement and water is cascading onto the dining room table with a festive splash, turn to the professionals at SERVPRO of Media for help. Crews can be on the scene in about an hour to begin the restoration process. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays, the IICRC-certified technicians utilize heavy-duty equipment, cutting-edge technology, and advanced cleaning techniques to finish the project quickly so life can return to normal for the customer.

For more information about flood restoration services in Newtown Square, PA, call the SERVPRO of Media office at (610) 566-5720. The team can also be reached by email at office@SERVPROmedia.com.