Storm Damage And Insulation: What You Need To Know

Home storm damage is a devastating reality faced by many Australians. As us Melbournians approach autumn and winter (when storms tend to start producing more rain) it’s good to be prepared with knowledge on home repair and recovery. Today we are sharing some of our best tips on how to deal with storm damage in the home, from checking your insulation batts to staying safe with the right protective gear.

 

Staying safe

Before you consider re-entering the property, the safe thing to do is to have a qualified electrician, plumber and building surveyor assess your site. They will be able to detect any unsafe structural damage, such as damaged gas supplies, and eroded areas of the building.

After the professionals have declared the building as safe to enter, you may do so. It is important to remain cautious in case you encounter any onsite risks, such as:

  • Broken glass and debris
  • Wild animals
  • Mosquitos and other insects
  • Contaminated food and water
  • Sewerage overflow.

 

Protective gear

If the correct precautions are not taken when you re-enter your home after storm damage, there is a chance you may experience various health risks. Not only is there a chance a part of the building may collapse due to serious damage, but there is also the high risk of coming into contact with toxic mould.

Before re-entering your home, we recommend you wear the following types of protective gear:

  • Wear footwear that is sturdy, has rubber soles and will keep your feet dry
  • Wear rubber or leather gloves that will protect your hands
  • If you are sensitive to mould, you must wear a respirator
  • If you decide to clean up any mould, you must wear an apron, face mask, eye protection and overalls to avoid coming into contact with airborne mould spores.

 

Damaged insulation batts

There is a chance that your insulation batts may be able to be saved after storm damage. However, in terms of safety, we strongly advise you evaluate the ease of accessibility to your insulation. If your insulation is not safe to access, or is difficult to access, we suggest that you wait for your insurance company to inspect it instead.

When assessing your insulation for damage, there are two key things you should be looking for:

  • Water damage. Water damage has a few different effects on insulation. It can reduce the overall effectiveness of insulation, due to the fact that dampness can shrink insulation (thus affecting its R-value). Wet insulation may also lead to mould growth, ceiling staining, additional water damage, and metal corrosion.
    If your insulation is only partially damp due to a minor leakage, it may be able to be reinstalled after it has been dried out. However, if it is completely soaked, it will need to be replaced.
  • Physical damage, such as tears. If your insulation is not torn or shredded (i.e. it is fully intact), you may be able to reinstall it depending on how much water has affected it. However, if it is not physically intact, you will most likely need to replace all insulation. This is because the tears create tiny holes within the insulation, meaning it will be less effective in the home.

 

Disposing of your insulation

You should always handle your insulation with gloves to avoid skin irritation. In order to dispose of your damaged insulation, we recommend you contact your local Council to receive recommendations on where you can drop it off. Remember to ask about disposal rules and regulations. Some disposal sites require you to wrap your insulation in a bag (for example).

 

Buy replacement insulation batts at wholesale prices

If you have inspected your insulation and come to the conclusion that it must be replaced, the next step is to purchase replacement batts for your home. At this time, it is important to choose an insulation provider that is going to help minimise any potential financial costs, as well as advise you on the best course of action moving forward.

When you buy your replacement insulation through Insulation Essentials, you can rest assured you are paying the best price for quality insulation. As construction industry experts with over 30 years of experience, we can recommend the best types of insulation for your needs and provide you with installation advice and more. Ultimately, our professionals pride themselves on removing the emotional and financial strain of home repair and recovery after storm damage.

If you have any questions about insulation recovery after storm damage, or if you’re looking to buy replacement insulation, give us a call on 03 8339 7111 or contact us online.