Hailstorm Damages 55 Units at California Apartment Complex

May is generally considered to be the beginning of hailstorm season in the United States and it runs through September in most parts of the country. Within just the first few weeks of the start of the season this year, major hailstorms resulting in costly property damage, were reported in California and numerous other states.

In mid-May, a strong hailstorm caused widespread damage to an apartment complex in Stockton, California. Hail caused water to back up on the complex roof which resulted in multiple roof collapses. According to a news report from KCRA, residents from 55 units were forced to leave their homes after the units were deemed unsafe. In all, over 100 people were left looking for a new place to call home.

While some hailstorms do relatively little damage to properties, others can be the source of widespread damage. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that hail causes approximately $1 billion dollars in damage to properties and crops each year.

“Fortunately, hail damage to a home or building is typically covered by property insurance policies,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “If your home or business is damaged, be on the lookout for signs of water damage and mold growth if materials have remained wet or moist for more than a few days. If the damage requires demolition and repair, property owners and tenants should also be vigilant regarding building materials that may contain asbestos or lead-based paints. These can easily become aerosolized and cause an immediate health concern if not handled properly.”

In California, residents that have experienced any form of property damage can turn to LA Testing for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, sampling supplies and even test kits. LA Testing offers analytical services for mold, asbestos, lead and other exposure risks. They even supply equipment, such as moisture meters, infrared cameras and borescopes that can be instrumental in locating water damage. The testing professionals have also sponsored an educational video about hailstorms, property damage and indoor environmental concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/oxUp5CSUZ4s.

To learn more about water damage, mold, lead and asbestos testing or other indoor environmental quality services and inspection equipment, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. To obtain IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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