Checking Your Home For Storm Damage

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Middle Tennessee, springtime can be pretty wild weather-wise. From heavy rains and high winds to hail, lightning, and tornadoes, you never really know what to expect. Your home can wind up in the path of destruction, too - and even if you experience only minor damage from bad weather, these damages can cause long-term problems that will be costly if left unrepaired.

Assessing the damage right when it happens will allow you to get repairs completed quickly. Even if you think your home suffered little-to-no damage during a storm, it’s important to run through a checklist for problems. 

Here’s a helpful list you can use when checking your home for storm damage:

ROOFING

Tree branches and other debris left on your roof can indicate larger impacts have occurred during the storm. Water may have leaked in through holes created by such events.  

Scan the roof in as much detail as possible; see if any shingles are missing or if they have slipped during the storm. Cracked shingles are another sign of weather damage to your home and could indicate a larger impact from debris. 

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR WALLS 

If you see any clear damp patches either outside or inside your home, that means water has gotten into them. It can take some time for exterior walls to dry out after a storm, so make sure to check them over several days.

A classic sign of storm damage in a wall is a spider-web pattern of cracks that radiate out from a central point. This indicates a serious impact has occurred on the exterior wall that may have affected cavity foam insulation. Smaller signs of damage include chipped paint or plaster, or minor holes in the stucco exterior.

WINDOWS

Small cracks, glass panes that are loose, or even damaged window frames can all lead to much larger problems, and signs of water inside your windows indicate a small leak that could be a problem. Check also for damage caused by flying debris or high winds to your window frames.

FENCING AND OUTBUILDINGS

When you’re checking your property after a storm, look over any outbuildings and fences. Check for signs of water damage, such as dampness or water pooling, as well as any indications of impact damage. Take a walk around your perimeter fencing and make note of any damaged or missing panels or of damaged posts that will need to be replaced to secure your boundary. 

SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson is here to help area homeowners with any damage due to seasonal storms. If you have experienced water damage, storm damage, or fire damage, or if you need help with a biohazard situation, a mold infestation, or vandalism, remember that we can be onsite right away, with all the tools and skills needed to get you back to normal as soon as possible. We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too. This franchise is independently owned and operated.