HOUSTON—Thankfully the rain seems to have subsided in much of the metro as Harvey makes his way into Louisiana. Once the slow process of water recession begins, property damage assessments can get underway. It will be a difficult and perhaps emotional task for many owners.

Adam Webster co-founded Rocky Mountain Restoration in 2009 with the idea of providing an empathetic approach to restoration services. An expert in cleaning and restoration services, Webster specializes in water and fire damage restoration, and has more than 10 years of experience in the property restoration industry.

GlobeSt.com: What is the likely damage to a property after a hurricane?

Webster: Hurricanes most commonly will damage properties as a result of wind and water damage. Wind will cause broken windows, damaged roofing, broken or damaged siding, as well as more severe damages such as awnings or patio covers that are completely removed from the structure. Severe winds can even lift or remove the roof of a property, which is pretty severe.

Water damage as a result from flooding is also very common, which is what we are seeing in Houston. This ground water that collects outside the structure and flows into the property will damage walls, flooring and built-in components, as well as furniture.

GlobeSt.com: What are the best ways to recover from severe flooding and other property damage that a hurricane might cause?

Webster: If there has been severe flooding which has caused water to enter into the property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to take the necessary steps to address the damage. The best solution is to hire a professional and licensed restoration contractor to address the damages. A contractor will come in and begin the removal of water, damaged building materials and unwanted moisture from the property to avoid any issues with mold.

According to a recent article, 52% of residential and commercial properties are outside of flood zones, meaning that they may not carry the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program. If people find themselves without insurance coverage, they may be left to address the damages on their own. If this is the case, then they need to remove the damaged building materials and dry out the property prior to making any repairs. Failure to properly dry out the property may result in a mold issue in the property. The EPA has put out publications for those who independently address water damage.

GlobeSt.com: What can property managers/building owners do while waiting for a restoration professional to arrive at a property?

Webster: Make sure that the people in the property are safe and avoid entering the damaged areas. This would apply to areas that have been damaged by wind or water. With water or flood damage, there is a concern for contaminants in the water, especially when the water comes from an outside source. While of course, people want to preserve their properties, they should really be putting their own well-beings first.

GlobeSt.com: What should a property manager/building owners look for in a restoration expert?

Webster: Make sure the person hired is licensed, bonded and insured. These requirements will vary from state to state, but make sure that the company is compliant with local and federal requirements for contractors.

Property owners should also do independent online research and see what customers are saying about specific restoration companies. A simple Google search can reveal a lot about a company and whether or not it is worthy of hiring.

Also, make sure that the company specializes in the service required, i.e. water damage repair. There are a lot of contractors who may be willing to take the work, but are not equipped to handle the type of repair or restoration involved.

GlobeSt.com: What proactive steps can property managers/building owners take to ensure the safety of their buildings before another hurricane hits?

Webster: Property owners should make sure that trees are properly trimmed or removed if necessary. This will prevent damages from broken branches damaging the structure. It's also good to clear drainage systems of debris, such as gutters or storm drains, which will allow the water to flow properly away from the property. If there is a possibility of flooding, property owners can purchase sand bags to place outside the entry points of the building. These can be purchased from home improvement stores and sometimes are made available through community or city programs.

If there are any maintenance or repairs needed to the roof, those repairs should be done prior to any storms rolling through. The roof is the main defense against rainfall, and when it fails, it will cause significant damage.

Make sure that windows and doors are properly sealed, as well as any holes to the outside of the building. It is also smart to review insurance coverages and see if there is a flood insurance policy in place for the property. Property owners may reach out to insurance agents or go to Federal Emergency Management Agency/FEMA to learn more about the federal flood insurance program.

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Once the Water Recedes, The Real Work Begins

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