Michigan Tornado Damage:
What You Should Do to Keep Safe!

At Aaron’s Restoration we have repaired residential and commercial roofs, walls, garages, barns, fences, outbuilding and more as a result of tornado damage. Here are a few facts about Michigan’s tornadoes.

Tornadoes form when winds of different temperatures and humidity clash. In Michigan, warm, wet winds move north from the Gulf of Mexico in the spring and summer – slamming into the cold, dry, winds coming south from Canada.

The warm air tries to rise, but the cold air traps the warm air beneath it. And because the warm air can’t move upward, it begins to rotate -creating a rotating column that can rotate at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour!

What to do in a Tornado

• In a home, go to the basement if there is one
• If no basement, take cover in the center of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room, closet or bathroom
• Seek shelter under sturdy furniture
• Keep away from windows and glass
• In a mobile home, evacuate if there is time and go to a prearranged substantial shelter.
• In a mobile home, If there is no shelter nearby, leave the trailer and lie flat in a ditch or ravine
• Protect your head by covering it with your arms over it.
• In a vehicle, get out of the car and lie flat in a ditch. Do not get under the car.
• In buildings: Follow tornado plans & move to interior hallways or small rooms on the lowest floor.
• Avoid areas with wide, free-span roofs.

Most homeowners’ insurance policies do cover tornado damage. And tornado damage is also typically covered on car insurance policies if you have “comprehensive coverage” (collision coverage) on the vehicle.

If you have experienced tornado damage in Wayne, Macomb or Oakland COunty,We will work with your homeowners insurance company to have your tornado damage claim rapidly assessed. We will rapidly complete your repairs – and work closely with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the maximum payout allowed by your homeowner’s policy.

Call Us 24/7 for Tornado Damage Cleanup & Repair: 888.442.2766

Michigan Winter Storm Damage Repair Predictions

The first Winter Storm of the 2015-2016 winter didn’t hit until November 21, 2015. By Michigan standards that is very late in the year. But the winter storm certainly made up for lost time –  bringing with it 1 inch or more of snowfall per hour snowfall to much of Southeast Michigan – including  Wayne, Oakland & Macomb County – in the afternoon and early evening hours.

Washtenaw, Livingston, Genesee and Oakland County were the hardest hit – with total snowfall ranging from 10 inches to over 16 inches.   The Detroit/Pontiac National Weather Service office in White Lake, MI measured 15.5 inches of snow! It is no surprise that this much snow falling in such a short amount of time resulted in widespread storm damage across Southeastern Michigan.

Our crews were working overtime after that first big winter storm, repairing storm damage from fallen branches, and high winds – as well as collapsed roof damage from heavy snow.

Storm Damage Often Occurs in February in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County

If last year is any indication, Southeast Michigan could be in for more damaging winter storms well into early spring. Last year – on Feb 2, 2015  – the third-biggest snowstorm in metro Detroit’s recorded history crippled southeastern Michigan. With 16.7 inches of snow falling in that storm, it clocked in as the most snow to fall since December 1974, when 19.3 inches fell.

With Michigan weather records dating back to 1880 – it may also come as a surprise that the most snow ever was actually recorded on April 6, 1886, when 24.5 inches were reported. But to set the record for most snow fall in a year in Michigan, we would have to exceed the 93.7 total inches of snow that fell way back in the winter storms of 1880-81.

Predicted El Niño May Reduce 2016 Michigan Storm Damage in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County

The good winter storm news for southeast Michigan residents is that “El Niño” storms can take a normally brutal Michigan winter and make it much milder. In fact, when looking back at the strongest El Niños, there is typically warmer than normal winter temperatures and less than normal snowfall in Michigan.

So this year’s prediction for winter storm damage is probably less snow and winter storm damage than 2014 and 2015. And less snow, wind and freezing temperatures means less storm damage in any given winter.

We Provide 24/7 Emergency Storm Damage Repair

However, any time winter storm damage hits we are at the ready 24/7 to come to your rescue. We travel across Michigan and the Midwest – anywhere storm damage repair is needed. Our winter storm repair specialists rapidly temporarily tarp and cover damaged areas and then make permanent repairs – so that your home and its contents are protected as soon as possible.

If you experience storm damage repair anywhere in southeastern Michigan call Aaron’s Restoraton 24/7 for the fastest, most professional storm damage repair.

Preventing Damage from Falling Trees to Michigan Homes

We understand that your beautiful trees are an important part of your landscape & environment. Yet we also know that thousands of dollars in damage can be done to your property by trees in high wind and storms. Preventing injuries & property damage – while not unnecessarily removing trees – requires a balance of skill and common sense.

Vigilance in regularly examining your trees can enable you to eliminate hazards before tree damage to your home occurs.

Knowing the warning signs of dangerous tree hazards can help you consider the risks and benefits of the trees on your property, and prevent or correct hazards whenever possible, without over grooming or eliminating trees altogether.

To look for hazardous tree conditions that can damage homes, regularly inspect each tree on your property systematically.

1. Examine the Top and Crown of the Trees on your Property
2. Look for any Dead Branches on your Trees & Have them Removed
3. Notice if Branches Cross or Rub
4. Watch for Forked Trunks, which can be Areas of Weakness
5. Look for Signs of Decay & Remove any Rotting Branches
6. Be Aware of any Leaning or Lopsided Trees
7. Examine Wounds and Cracks in Trees for Structural Weakness

What to Do if Wind Damages or Blows Down a Tree

Attempting to move or remove a downed tree can be dangerous. Often a tree will take down an electrical wire when it falls. Additionally, a fallen tree can “shift” or fall further, and injure those around it.

1. Keep pets and children away from the area.
2. Do not approach a fallen tree if electrical wires may have been damaged when it fell.
3. Do not attempt to push down partially fallen large branches or tree trunks. They may not fall in the direction you expect!
4. Immediately call a fallen tree restoration and repair professional.
5. Make sure your tree removal company is licensed, bonded, insured & adheres to all OSHA safety regulations.

We offer 24 / 7 Emergency Fallen Tree Removal in Southeast Michigan, including Macomb, Wayne and Oakland County.

Our professional tree removal experts can evaluate and remove any hazards to life and property, such as downed electrical wires and stuck or shifting branches. We have safely removed fallen trees from hundreds of homes across Southeast Michigan, including Macomb, Wayne and Oakland County.

We are highly trained, licensed, bonded & insured. Our tree removal company follows all OSHA safety regulations.

We can also immediately repair, tarp or board up any interior exposure caused by the falling tree – to prevent further damage to your home and property from rain, snow or wind. And we will also coordinate with your homeowners’ insurance company to ensure that all necessary claim information and documentation is properly submitted to them in a timely manner.

Emergency Wind & Storm Damage Repair
In Southeast Michigan – including Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County

Until you experience damaging winds firsthand, it is hard to comprehend how much destruction the wind can cause.

Damaging winds that are not tornadoes are often called “straight-line” winds. Winds greater than 50 mph can cause severe damage to your home – and straight line winds can get up to 100 miles per hour! Imagine what damage a car would do if it hit your home at 50 or 100 mph. Wind travelling at this speed has the same effect.

Michigan’s proximity to the Great Lakes makes it susceptible to straight-line winds. We have repaired millions of dollars in damage to homes in Oakland, Macomb & Wayne, County – and all over Southeast Michigan – caused by straight-line winds in addition to tornadoes.

Damage to roof, siding, gutters and shutters are the most typical damage caused by high winds. Structural damage from blown-down trees that land on a home are also very common in high wind situations. Of course, when a roof is wind damaged during a rain or snow storm, there is also often additional water damage.

Immediate Wind Storm Repair Stops Further Damage

There are a few things you can do to try and prevent wind damage to a home. (Click Here). But even the strongest structures are susceptible to wind damage, if the winds are strong enough. Taking repair and restoration steps immediately after wind damage can make the difference between a temporary inconvenience and an extensive disaster with long term effects.

For starters, NEVER use any electrical devices, and do not touch light switches or sockets in the area of any leaks, standing water or flooding.

The most important thing you can do – as soon as you experience wind damage – is contact a wind damage repair and restoration company. Do not wait! If roof repairs are made immediately, the opportunity for further structural damage from the elements or water can be halted. Additionally, furniture and other personal items can be salvaged – if immediate action is taken.

Fast Wind Storm Repair Can Help Salvage Property & Furniture

Salvaging and restoring water damaged personal property, furniture, carpeting and drapery depends on taking fast action. Many people wait until the next day – or even until “after the weekend” to look for a restoration company.

Remember, waiting even until the next day – can result in deterioration, mold, mildew and more that can render your valuable possessions beyond rescuing.

We Offer 24/7 Emergency Wind & Storm Damage Repair
In Southeast Michigan – including Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County

As experienced wind and storm damage repair specialists, we understand that time is of the essence in responding to damage to roofs and structures from high winds and storms. That is why we offer 24 / emergency wind and storm damage response and restoration.

We can get to your house immediately to take the steps to prevent any further damage – rapidly repairing and restoring any damage that may have already occurred.

Next we immediately work on salvaging any property or furnishings damaged by water. We have the experience and the state-of-the-art technology to save as much of your furniture and other personal property as possible, and to safely remove and dispose of whatever cannot be saved.

The Pros & Cons of Winter Roof Repairing
In Southeast Michigan – including Wayne, Macomb & Oakland County

Michigan homeowners typically replace their older, leaky or damaged roofs in the warm, dry months of summer. But what happens when storm damage or other disaster hit unexpectedly & damage your roof in the winter time?

Can a roof be repaired or replaced in the winter?

While many other roof repair companies take the winter off – at Aaron’s Restoration we can repair or replace your damaged roof year round. Our roof repair specialists work 365 days a year to ensure that your home and valuables are protected – no matter what time of year roof damage or leaks may strike!

Many people erroneously assume that roofing projects don’t happen in the winter and should wait until spring. But if your roof has a leak, the expansion and contraction of your roof’s materials – caused by freezing and thawing – can actually make your roof damage worse, causing even more leaks to appear.

Our roof repair specialists can fix the damage whenever it occurs – so that it does not get worse over the course of the winter.

Dangers of Ice & Snow when Repairing Michigan Roofs in Winter

You might be wondering if it’s more dangerous to be repairing your roof in icy or snowy conditions – and if roof repairs should wait until springtime. The short answer is that ice and snow can make a roof extremely slippery and you (or any non-professional) should NEVER attempt to climb up and attempt to repair or remove ice or snow from a roof.

However, ice and snow can be easily handled by an experienced roofer who has the proper equipment, including shoes, harnesses, rigging, etc. to safely repair a roof – no matter how inclement the conditions.

Falls are the second leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the United States. Do not become a statistic by trying to clean or repair your own roof. At Aaron’s Restoration we adhere to – or exceed – all OSHA standards, safety measures, and safety equipment requirements.

Unlike other seasonal roof companies who hire temporary workers – our employees are full time roof repair specialist who have the training and experience to handle a roof under even the worst winter storm conditions.

Oakland County, Michigan Winter Roof Repair Basics

• If your roof is packed with snow, it should only take 30 minutes to an hour for our skilled and experienced roofers to shovel it off, depending on the size of your roof.
• We will immediately tarp or put up other emergency covering to ensure that no further ice, snow or water will get into your home until permanent repairs are made.
• There are types of roofing materials that should not be installed in winter conditions, as well as some that can be installed any time of year, regardless of the weather. Our experienced professionals will use the proper materials for winter time installation.
• Roofing materials all behave differently in conditions below 40 degrees – only an experienced year round roofer will understand these differences.
• Asphalt shingles used for sloped roofs must be installed with caution and skill in the winter- to be careful not to bend and crack the shingles.
• Asphalt shingles are dependent on a proper seal, which requires heat from the sun to bond, so our experienced roofers will install your shingles at the right time for your adhesives.

Winter roofing projects in any season should be discussed at length with a trusted contractor – who performs year round roof damage repair, replacement and installation to prevent common problems and prevent the premature failure of your roof.

We repaired hundreds of Michigan roofs in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland County every winter.

If your roof has been damaged in a winter storm, DO NOT wait until spring or summer to address your roof repairs! The damage may only get worse. Call the experienced roof repair specialists at Aaron’s Restoration to immediately stop any further leakage and damage and permanently repair your roof.