Peggy L Carlton
Tornadoes are hitting the US every now and then. In fact, tornado frequency is increasing in certain parts of the States. What’s more alarming is that these tornadoes are getting worse.
In 2023, the US reported around 1,423 tornadoes. This number is roughly 18 percent higher than the country’s average. This year, the country expects to witness between 1,250 and 1,375 tornadoes, which is also higher than the usual average.
The damages done by these natural disasters also cost the US millions. The tornadoes in 2022 caused around $700 million in property and crop damage in the US. On average, each tornado cost the country approximately $684,492 in damages.
Now, for middle-income households, dealing with tornado damage becomes a two-way challenge. Firstly, there’s the challenge of actually fixing the damages. Secondly, there’s the total cost that will go into fixing these damages.
In this article, we’ll share a few tips on how middle-income households can deal with post-tornado home damage.
Assessing the Damage
After a tornado has swept through, the first crucial step is to assess the damage to your home. That way, you can decide what needs fixing, what needs to be replaced, and how much all this might cost.
Simply take a walk around your property and document everything with photos and videos. Pay special attention to the condition of your windows and siding.
Tornadoes can cause severe damage to windows, shattering glass and damaging frames, making window replacement a likely necessity.
Cedar Park in Texas witnessed something of this sort last year. A storm had damaged several houses across the city. As people set out to make repairs, they started looking for services that provided window replacement in Cedar Park.
Similarly, check the state of your existing siding. Even if it appears intact, it might have suffered structural damage that requires professional assessment.
Be methodical in your documentation, as this will be vital for insurance claims and repairs.
Prioritizing Temporary Fixes
Once your safety is confirmed, you can focus on temporary fixes. Cover broken windows with plywood or plastic sheeting to prevent further weather damage and unauthorized entry.
For damaged siding, secure tarps over the affected areas to keep moisture out. In Cedar Park, as discussed earlier, storm damage had led to the complete destruction of a few houses.
These houses required complete siding replacement jobs. Hence, the top Cedar Park siding installation service providers probably had to work on the double to get the job done across multiple neighborhoods. That means that temporary fixes might not work in some cases after your house has been hit by a tornado.
How Much Do You Have to Spend to Repair Sidings?
To repair home siding using a professional, expect to spend something in between $100 and $14,300. The amount tends to vary depending on the materials and the overall problems with the siding and their severity. Contractors will charge you more if you’re trying to repair something that’s better off being replaced.
Choosing the Right Contractors and Budgeting for Repairs
Selecting reliable contractors is essential for quality repairs of your tornado-damaged home.
Research local contractors who specialize in leaks, window replacement, window repairs, and siding installation. Look for contractors with good reviews and verified credentials.
Repairing tornado damage can be expensive, and it’s crucial to budget wisely. Start by obtaining detailed estimates from the contractors. Prioritize essential repairs like window replacements and siding installations, as these are critical to protecting your home from further damage.
Middle-income households might need to spread out non-essential repairs over time to manage costs effectively.
How Much Do You Have to Spend on Window Repairs After Tornado Damage?
Usually, window repair will cost you something around $305 on average. Of course, this amount can vary, but it should range from $170 to $568 in most cases. Spending this amount of money, you can get multiple repairs done on the window sash, seals, tracks, etc.
Strengthening for the Future
As you get done with the repairs, consider implementing measures to strengthen your home against future tornadoes. Reinforce windows with impact-resistant glass and ensure that they are properly sealed. For siding, consider materials that offer better resistance to high winds and flying debris.
Strengthening your home’s structure can help mitigate damage in future storms, potentially reducing repair costs and improving safety.
Middle-income households might find it challenging to allocate funds for these upgrades. However, consider them a long-term investment in your home’s resilience and your family’s safety.
