A severe storm can do more damage to a home than is obvious from the outside. Wind, rain, hail, and debris impact the roof, windows, doors, siding, gutters, and many other parts of the property. It may seem that everything is fine following the storm but taking the time to do a careful inspection can be very helpful in identifying damages before they turn into more costly repairs.

Start With a Safe Exterior Inspection

Ensure storm has moved thorough and situation is safe prior to leaving your home to check it. Do not walk through any water standing outside, do not touch any fallen electric wires and do not walk on roof. Survey the grounds from the ground of the premises for visible damage to the property.

Search for downed limbs, hail-damaged siding and windows, unsecured outside fixtures and debris around the home. Look for places where wind or hail may have caused impact damage. If you find large structural damage or electrical hazards, call the right service before further inspection.

Check the Roof for Visible Damage

Your roof is one of the most crucial parts of the home to check after the storm passes. The high wind can peel away the shingles, while the balls of hail can create a series of dents or cracks. Even powerful rains can break down the existing weaknesses.

Examine the roof while on the ground and search for shingles that have been blown off or are loose, raised, broken, or otherwise missing. Note if sections of the roof seem out of alignment or if roofing materials are found on the ground. Additionally, examine the flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, or any other openings in the roof.

If you worry about the condition of your roof, call a roofing contractors Cypress for a professional roof inspection. An experienced roofing contractor can find roof damage that is difficult to see from the ground. The contractor can recommend roof repairs if necessary.

Look for Signs of Water Damage Inside

Storm damage may not be immediately obvious. Water could be leaking through a tiny gap, and can be slowly running across the ceiling, attic or inside the walls. After a storm, examine the attic and upper floors for damp insulation, water stains, water drops and odours.

Inspect ceilings and walls for new brown or yellow staining. Moisture problems will also cause the paint to lift and lift, pulling away from the surface, and cause drywall to soften and peel. If water is entering the building, rectify the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage, rot and mold growth.

Inspect Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts carry rainwater away from your home‘s foundation. Harsh weather may cause gutters to bend, gutters fasteners to come loose, downspouts to clog, or to cause sections of the system to come apart.

Ensure the gutters are still fitted correctly and remaining in the right position. Check for dings, splits, sagging parts and places where water cannot flow away easily. Remove a small amount of any loose debris when it is possible to do safely. If the guttering is badly damaged, then a professional can assess whether each section can be repaired or is better replaced.

Examine Windows and Doors

Glass in doors and windows may be broken or cracked from flying debris and high winds. Examine glass closely, and inspect door and window frames for damage and movement. Confirm that they are functioning correctly; open, close, and lock smoothly.

Pay close attention to weatherstripping and seals. Damage in these locations can let rainwater and outside air into your home. If a door has been damaged, or no longer closes properly, have a certified door contractor Tomball TX come out and evaluate the opening to see what repairs are needed.

Check Your Garage and Other Exterior Structures

Pay attention to the garages, sheds, fences, decks, and patios. Winds can cause damage to the garages, dislodge fencing, and shift around other outdoor structures.

Investigate the posts, fasteners, panels and connections and make sure they are not moving or broken. Don‘t attempt to open or close a bent or faulty garage door forcefully. These circumstances may cause further hazards to safety.

Document Any Damage

If you discover storm damage, document it with good photographs and video clips prior to having repairs carried out. Take photographs and video close up images of the damage, as well as photographs from a distance depicting the damage.

Take down notes about when the storm happened and what you saw during the inspection. This documentation can be helpful when talking to contractors about repairs and, if relevant, filing an insurance claim.

Schedule Professional Inspections When Needed

Certain damage to the storm‘s structures can be easily missed without having experience of working with these structures. For instance, the roof may appear in good condition from the ground when the damage is within the structure, such as damaged shingles and flashing. Water can also find a way through small broken openings, and the resulting damages might not become visible for days or weeks.

Having a professional inspection done can reveal hidden problems and prioritize what repairs should be tackled first. Prioritizing storm damage repairs over small issues can prevent the small issue from turning into a larger repair.

Take Action Before Small Problems Grow

Homeowners should inspect the roof, gutters, windows, doors, attic, ceilings, exterior walls and other structures for damage following a major storm. Safety comes first so homeowners should avoid stepping on damaged roofs or into dangerous areas.

A careful inspection and prompt professional repair can be an effective means of protecting the property from further further penetration and deterioration. If a phenomenon seems anomalous after a storm, early investigation is frequently the optimal way to safeguard your home.