Serious weather conditions can cause havoc and emotional trauma. When you and your loved ones are potentially in physical danger, the condition of your property takes a second seat. However, once the storm has passed and the chaos has subsided, checking for property damage is essential so you can protect your most expensive asset. Even seemingly minor damage can end up causing costly problems later if not dealt with promptly. Below are indicators of storm damage that every property owner should be aware of so they can take action with their insurance carrier.
Visible debris on the roof - Tree branches and other storm debris on the roof can signal that more substantial impacts may have occurred. Dents, dings, or larger indentations can end up being the source of more significant problems because of water leakage. Another issue to be aware of is granule loss on asphalt shingles. Granules on asphalt shingles not only improve the cosmetic appearance but it helps to protect from water damage and provides UV protection, as well as offering some fire resistance. In cases of extreme wind and rain, granule loss is possible. When a roof shingle is damaged or missing, moisture can seep into other roof layers, resulting in significant expenses.
Search for missing or broken roof shingles - Most of us are not roofing experts. However, it's important to understand that if a single shingle is missing, cracked, or slipped from its proper place, it can still cause water damage.
Look at the chimney and eve flashing, snow guards, gutters, and other rooftop components - If metal flashing comes loose, this could create an entrance for water to seep into your home. If the gutters are blocked or loose, this could indicate water didn't drain properly. Standing pools of water can lead to a weakened structure. Broken attic fans can lead to moisture build-up, which can ruin belongings and cause damage to your home.
Check for water stains on exterior and interior walls - Over time, it's not unusual for a home to develop small cracks in the walls, which can be a route for water to get in. Check the walls for damp areas right after the storm and in a few days to ensure the water has evaporated.
Check exterior walls for dents or holes - You can identify hurricane damage to your property's external walls by the telltale spider-web pattern that expands from a central point of debris impact. A substantial impact that creates a spider-web crack can affect your property's insulation. Even minor problems, such as missing stucco or chips in paint and plaster, can indicate storm damage that can cause issues now and later.
Examine windows thoroughly - You might think window damage would be apparent. Still, minor fractures can expand and be a more significant problem later. Check to see if window ledges and crevices have collected any water. Additionally, check window frames for damage, such as dents or cracks, as loose window frames can release a cascade of broken glass unexpectedly in the future.
Check soffits located on the underside of parts of your home - Soffits are typically located on the bottom of eaves that run from the outside wall to the outer edge of the roof. Any damage, such as dents, could indicate an underlying problem.
Remember to check sheds, barns, and fencing - Any outbuilding should be investigated for damage similar as explained previously, including walls, windows, and roofing. Likewise, the walls or fencing surrounding the perimeter of your property should be examined for damaged or missing posts, panels, surfacing, or toppled blocks.
Investigate trees or other large vegetation - Even if your trees didn't get uprooted by the storm, branches or the trunk may still have incurred damage that could end up harming people or property during the next strong gust of wind. Likewise, if you have other tall vegetation that could topple over, such as a saguaro or other giant cacti, check to see if the storm caused it to lean to one side. This is a sign that it will fall over soon.
Investigate crawl spaces for water - Finally, check to see if you have a drainage problem. It's essential to address this quickly, as pooling water can cause mold, rot, and other structural issues down the line.