Table of Contents
Once the storm has passed, carefully observe damage to your property. From the ground, look for displaced shingles and dents in your soffits and fascia. Inside, look for water stains or mold in the ceilings and walls.
Documenting damage is essential because insurance companies need the evidence before approving an insurance claim. Beware of storm chasers that offer free inspections but don’t have local licensure or insurance.
Roof Inspection
Regular roof inspections by experienced professionals like Columbus roofer play an essential preventative role in reducing storm damage risks. They can detect subtle signs of damage and assess your roof’s vulnerabilities, helping you quickly repair minor problems before they develop into larger ones. They also offer advice on keeping your roof well-protected from storms, including ensuring the safety of family members by trimming limbs that hang over your home and addressing dead branches that can easily snap during high winds or heavy snow and rain.
In addition to inspecting for storm damage, a qualified expert will check for damage in other areas like ceilings, walls, shingle granules, and siding. A thorough assessment of all damage lays the foundation for a successful insurance claim and rigorous repair work after a storm. Having a roofing contractor present during the evaluation by your insurance adjuster can ensure that all damage is noted and adequately represented in the claim.
Wind Damage
High winds may cause dangerous situations, such as falling branches, uprooted trees, and power outages due to downed power lines. They can also directly damage your home by loosening shingles or pulling them off completely.
Wind can also impact the integrity of your windows and doors. Loose hinges and missing bolts can make it easier for wind to access your home, causing glass damage. Cracked or broken windows allow rain to enter and saturate your property, which can lead to additional damage, such as mold.
Preparing your home for a possible windstorm before a storm hits is essential. It includes securing your car in the garage, bringing in any outdoor items that could become airborne missiles, and ensuring your garage door is secure. You should also prune tree branches and trim them back from your house. It prevents them from breaking off in a high wind and makes your property safer. Additionally, you should ensure that your home has proper insulation to help it withstand extreme weather.
Hail Damage
When wind and hail come together, they can be a deadly combination. Hail is formed when raindrops are carried upward by thunderstorm updrafts into icy areas in the atmosphere, where they freeze, creating solid chunks of ice that can damage cars, glass windows, and home siding.
Even hail that is less than an inch in diameter can crack windshields and cause severe property damage. Getting a roof inspection done can be very helpful in identifying any vulnerabilities beforehand and fixing them before a hailstorm hits.
Consider reinforcing your roof with impact-resistant materials to reduce the risk of hail damage. A steep roof can also help since it limits the number of direct impacts.
Move breakable outdoor furniture, such as a patio or gazebo, to the garage or another protected area before a storm arrives. It would help to close curtains or blinds in your home to prevent shattered glass from blowing inside. Keeping your yard well-maintained by trimming trees and shrubs can also help to minimize the potential damage that falling branches can cause during high winds.
Tree Damage
Towering trees are a beautiful part of any yard and cast cooling shade in summer, but they can become a hazard during storms. Untrimmed branches that reach too far across a roof can damage shingles or cause water leaks. They can also entangle with overhead wires and pose a potential electrical safety risk for your family.
Addressing tree and branch damage isn’t a DIY task and should always be left to the experts. Homeowners should also consider picking up tree coverage in their homeowner’s insurance policy to help pay for unexpected repairs. Above all, the safety of your loved ones should come first. If there’s an immediate danger, such as tangled power lines, it’s important to call emergency services and stay away from the area.
Liam Stephens is a dynamic and skilled blogger, recognized for his ability to identify trends and create compelling content. As the founder of Remi-Portrait.com, Liam has become a reliable source of information across various fields such as food, technology, health, travel, business, lifestyle, and current events. He specializes in delivering up-to-date technology news and insights, catering to the diverse community that surrounds Remi-Portrait.com. His proficiency and engaging writing style have earned him a dedicated audience, solidifying his reputation in the digital sphere.
