Severe storms can leave homeowners dealing with everything from damaged shingles to water intrusion. That’s why, once the weather has cleared, it’s important to check the damage. A methodical approach can make the recovery process more manageable. Additionally, prompt action can prevent minor issues from becoming more expensive issues.
Here’s a quick guide to recovering when a storm impacts your home.
Check for Immediate Safety Hazards
Before inspecting your property, check that conditions are safe. Downed power lines, broken glass, exposed wiring, structural damage – serious hazards like these can remain after the storm has passed.
Stay away from areas that appear unstable and, when necessary, contact the appropriate professionals. Has your home suffered significant structural damage? Don’t enter affected areas until they have been assessed.
Once everything is safe, walk around the exterior from ground level and observe for clear signs of damage.
Document the Damage
Before you dive into making permanent repairs, take photographs and videos of visible damage. Capture different areas of the property, including the:
- Roof
- Siding
- Windows
- Gutters
- Landscaping
- Detached structures
Don’t underestimate detailed documentation. It can be a useful record when discussing the damage with your insurance company. Furthermore, keep receipts for temporary repairs and other expenses related to protecting the property.
If possible, produce a written list of damaged items and note when the damage occurred. With organized information available, it makes conversations with your insurer and contractors more straightforward.
Arrange a Professional Roof Inspection
Your roof can sustain damage that isn’t immediately obvious from the ground. Missing or broken shingles, damaged flashing, punctures, weakened areas – these can all allow water into the home. That’s not good.
A professional inspection identifies problems that require immediate attention, determining whether repairs are sufficient. Has extensive damage occurred? Rather than repeatedly repairing individual areas, a more appropriate response is full replacement.
If that’s the route you want to take, one recommendation is a metal roof replacement. The material offers valuable long-term protection against demanding weather. Metal roofing is highly resistant to strong winds and snow. Its long lifespan also makes it extra durable for improving your roof’s overall resistance.
Protect the Property from Further Damage
When the storm has damaged part of your home, it’s imperative you take temporary measures to prevent the situation from worsening.
Say you’re dealing with a damaged window. This could require temporary covering. A roof with an active leak is another example, one that requires professional emergency protection.
Don’t attempt complex repairs yourself to save money. Improper work will only create additional damage, which then makes subsequent repairs more difficult – and expensive. Until permanent repairs can be completed, concentrate on preventing further water intrusion and securing vulnerable areas.
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Work with Qualified Professionals
The immediate risks have been addressed. Now it’s time to start arranging permanent repairs.
Depending on the extent of the storm damage, you could require numerous professionals. Roofing specialists, siding contractors, electricians… Prioritize the most important tasks first. Once done, obtain detailed estimates and check that contractors have appropriate experience and credentials.
Never automatically select the cheapest quote. That’s particularly the case when the work involves key structural components of your home.
