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The Essential Role of Home Inspections for Documenting Storm Damage and Filing Insurance Claims

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In the wake of a hurricane, homeowners often find themselves grappling with the damage left behind and the daunting task of filing an insurance claim. While the visible destruction might be overwhelming, hidden damage can also wreak havoc on your home if left unchecked. We know how critical it is to get a comprehensive home inspection after a storm—not only for your safety but also for accurately documenting storm-related damage when filing insurance claims. Here’s how a thorough inspection plays an essential role in the process and why quick action is crucial. The Importance of a Professional Inspection for Storm Damage Hurricanes can leave behind a wide range of damage, some of which may not be immediately visible. Water can seep into your home’s walls, roofs can sustain subtle structural issues, and windows might have cracks that compromise their integrity. If these damages are missed or ignored, they can lead to expensive repairs in the future. What you need: Comprehensive Document

Post-Hurricane Home Inspection: Critical Areas to Inspect for Hidden Damage

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After a major hurricane, the aftermath can be overwhelming for homeowners. From visible damage like fallen trees and broken windows to unseen issues that could worsen over time, ensuring your home is safe and sound becomes a top priority. We understand that while some storm damage is easy to spot, other problems may be lurking beneath the surface. That's why scheduling a professional home inspection is crucial after a hurricane. Let’s take a closer look at the critical areas of your home that should be thoroughly inspected after a major storm. 1. Roofing Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and it’s often the area most vulnerable to hurricane damage. High winds and flying debris can cause shingles to loosen, crack, or blow off entirely. Even if the damage isn't immediately visible, water could seep through tiny openings and lead to leaks, mold, and structural damage over time. Check these things: Look for missing or damaged shingles Check for wea

Weekly Maintenance (First Week of October)

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Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:  Plant fall flowers and prepare the garden for the cooler months Trim trees and shrubs, especially those that could pose a threat to structures Seal any openings to the house to prevent rodents seeking shelter from the cooler weather Continue regular pest control measures to mitigate infestations Check seals around doors and windows and repair any leaks to prevent drafts Consider weatherstripping for additional insulation Flush the weather heater tank to remove sediment and check for signs of wear and damage Adjust the temperature setting on your water heater as needed for the cooler weather Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed Check fire extinguishers and review fire safety procedures with family members Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team

Dehumidifiers: The Importance Of This Item In Every Florida Home To Help Prevent Mold And Moisture Damage

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Living in Florida comes with year-round warmth, sunshine, and unfortunately, high humidity. While the weather may be ideal for outdoor activities, it also creates the perfect environment for moisture-related issues in your home. For homeowners, one of the best tools to combat these problems is a dehumidifier. We recommend dehumidifiers as essential equipment to help prevent mold and moisture damage, ensuring a healthy living space and protecting your home. What is a Dehumidifier? A dehumidifier is an electrical appliance designed to remove excess moisture from the air. It works by drawing in humid air, cooling it to condense the moisture into water droplets, and then releasing the dried air back into the room. The collected water is stored in a tank that must be emptied regularly, or in some models, drained through a hose connected to a sink or an outside drainage area. What Does a Dehumidifier Do? In simple terms, a dehumidifier keeps the indoor humidity levels within an optimal range

How Humidity Affects Your Home: Inspections to Prevent Mold and Moisture Damage

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Humidity can be a hidden enemy in your home, leading to long-term damage that may not be immediately visible. We’ve seen firsthand how unchecked moisture can wreak havoc on homes, causing issues that range from cosmetic problems to significant structural damage. By understanding how humidity affects your home and scheduling regular inspections, you can prevent costly repairs, ensure a healthy living environment, and maintain the insurability of your property. The Impact of Humidity on Your Home Excessive humidity creates the perfect conditions for mold growth, wood rot, and other moisture-related problems. Over time, these issues can compromise the structural integrity of your home and potentially make it harder to sell or insure. 1. Mold Growth Mold thrives in damp environments. When indoor humidity levels consistently exceed 60%, surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors can become breeding grounds for mold. This not only poses health risks to you and your family, such as allergies a