Ready Yourself for Storm Repairs with Sunbelt Rentals

According to Forbes, storms and natural disasters are continuing to increase in frequency and are causing an average of $18 billion in damage each year. Storms are no longer affecting just individuals on the coast. Those living inland are impacted, too. With hurricane season currently in full force, it’s important to know what resources are available if disaster strikes and your property requires repair.

Common Storm Repair Projects and the Tools You Need to Complete Them

Both big and small storms can damage your property. Most often, rainstorms and windstorms cause the type of home repairs that leave homeowners searching for quick solutions. Since it’s not easy to predict what the next storm may do to your property, it’s good to know how to complete common repair projects and what you’ll need to rent to get the job done.

With locations across North America and an extensive inventory of tools, Sunbelt Rentals can help you get your home back in tip-top shape. Below are a few common repair project tips and tools to rent when storms come through.

1. Debris Removal

Storms bring heavy winds that can blow items such as debris, fallen trees, and scattered materials into unwanted areas. Before tackling a debris removal project, you should:

• Reach out to the experts at Sunbelt Rentals and explain the type and size of debris. They’ll guide you to the right equipment for the job. For example, you may need a tall ladder to inspect the roof, a wheelbarrow to transport materials to a designated location, or a leaf blower to clear leaves and twigs from your lawn or driveway.
• Check to make sure your workspace is safe and review what personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes, you need to wear to operate each piece of equipment.

Workshop renovator and pro woodworker, Johnny Brooke needed assistance when a storm in his neck of the woods knocked down a large tree behind his shop. Sunbelt Rentals delivered a wood chipper and mini excavator to Crafted Workshop’s property, and he was able to safely cut down and dispose of the tree.

2. Water Extraction and Drying

Heavy amounts of rain can lead to unwanted water in the interior of homes. Basement floods are common. When this happens, you can work with a remediation company to clear out everything that touched sewage water, dry the space, and remove and prevent mold growth. Then, it is time to turn to Sunbelt Rentals for help.

Have a similar situation with a low-lying room that’s at risk for flooding? Here are four steps to expedite the drying process:

• Put on your PPE and get to work with a submersible pump or wet/dry vacuum.
• Start from the lowest point of the flood and work your way toward the exit, directing water outdoors or to a drainage system.
• Next, discard any materials that cannot be salvaged and start working on drying. Air movers and dehumidifiers of all sizes should be rented to aid in the drying process. Windows and doors should remain open (weather permitting) to expedite the process as well.
• Once the area is dry, it’s time to move to renovations.

3. Specialized Renovations (Carpentry, Drywall Repair, Flooring Restoration)

Not all homes are the same — and not all storms create the same damage. It’s likely you’ll have a specialized project to tackle, like Casey at The DIY Playbook did when her basement flooded.

After Casey removed the water from her basement, she used the opportunity to reimagine a  space that could be so much more than a basement. To create a room that could hold a comfortable hangout area, a window-seat reading nook, a small play area, a home office, and a full bathroom, Casey needed to get creative and she needed specialized tools. She rented a table saw to rip boards to create a beautiful shiplap accent wall for the TV area; a paint sprayer to paint the basement walls and ceilings in a soothing gray; a demo hammer to remove the old bathroom flooring; a tile saw to cut the new floor tiles, and a variety of other tools to transform her basement like a pro.

Benefits of Renting Tools for Storm Repair Projects

Flexibility is key when it comes to completing renovations. With the ability to choose exactly which dates you need the tools and equipment and how long you need to keep them, there is no better option than renting.

With Sunbelt Rentals, you can access tools quickly and easily to get your home back in shape in no time. Larger pieces of equipment can even be delivered and picked up from your home. Why pay the extensive price to purchase a one-time-use tool or piece of equipment that’s only needed for an unplanned repair?

With the knowledgeable Sunbelt Rentals team by your side, you can take the opportunity to learn how to use a piece of equipment instead of calling in a professional with a busy schedule. Equip yourself with the tools and equipment you need, right when you need them.

Turn Your Storm Repair into a Renovation

When repairs are needed in your home, you can change your perspective and instead view it as an opportunity to create the home of your dreams. If you have the time and money to do so, consider renovations that you regret not doing earlier. Basement flooded? Redo the entire space to match your current aesthetic and work best for your growing family. Tree fall? Clear trees out of your area to make way for more outdoor living space. The possibilities are endless.

When a storm comes your way, know that our team is here to help you pick up the pieces with expert guidance and high-quality tools to get your home back in shape and better than ever.

In need of equipment, tools, or advice for a repair? Contact us.