Ever wondered about the hidden damages after a storm? Severe weather can cause more than just visible damage. It’s important to check for these hidden risks to keep your home safe and get the right insurance help.
Right after a storm, it’s key to look for damage, both obvious and hidden. This includes things like broken glass and downed power lines, but also water damage and structural issues. A detailed check-up is vital to protect your property and get the right repairs and insurance help.
Key Takeaways
- Start by looking for safety hazards like exposed nails and broken glass.
- Check for water damage signs, like damp walls or ceilings, to stop bigger problems.
- Inspect the roof and siding for wind damage that could weaken your home.
- Find dents and cracks from hail impacts that can get worse over time.
- Look for signs of lightning strikes that might affect your electrical systems.
- Document all storm damage for accurate insurance claims and contractor checks.
- Follow NCPHIF’s advice to avoid scams by getting several estimates and checking contractor credentials.
Initial Safety Precautions
After a storm, it’s key to focus on safety first. The area can be dangerous with threats like sharp nails, broken glass, and downed power lines. It’s vital to act fast to avoid accidents and injuries.
Start by telling authorities about any electrical dangers. Don’t use open flames to check for damage, as they could start fires. If you see frayed wires or a strange smell, turn off the main electrical breaker right away. Also, if you think there’s a gas leak, turn off the gas valve to ensure safety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detailed advice for after a storm. Following these steps can greatly lower the chance of accidents. Acting quickly to deal with hazards keeps you and others safe.
Inspecting for Water Damage
After a storm, it’s key to do a detailed water damage assessment. Check your home inside and out for water entry points. Look for open doors and windows, and any roof damage that could let water in.
Pay extra attention to areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Moisture here can turn into mold if not fixed quickly.
Checking your roof often helps stop water damage in future storms. After a storm, look for any loose shingles or damage that could let water in.
- Inspect interior walls and ceilings for water stains or peeling paint.
- Check around windows and doors for any signs of dampness or swollen wood.
- Scan the basement and attic for any pooled water or persistent moisture.
Keep track of any water damage you see. Getting help from water damage experts is a good idea. They use tools like moisture meters or thermal imaging to find hidden damage. This helps avoid long-term damage and health risks from water damage.
Checking for Wind Damage
After a storm, it’s key to check your home for wind damage. This keeps your home safe and strong. It’s important to look closely for any damage that wind might have caused.
Start by checking the outside of your home. Look at the roof and siding for damage. Winds often knock off shingles and move siding panels, which can let water in and cause more harm.
Also, check for fallen trees or branches near your home. These can hit your home’s structure, causing walls to break or windows to shatter.
Don’t forget to look at power lines and utility poles close to your property. If they’re tangled with trees or have fallen, they can be dangerous. If you see any damage, tell the authorities right away.
Checking for wind damage is crucial to fix any issues quickly. If you don’t, you might face big repair bills later. So, it’s key to check your roof and siding for any damage right away.
Examining for Hail Damage
After a hailstorm, it’s crucial to check how much damage was done. Hailstones come in various sizes, each one posing a different threat to buildings. Start by looking at the roof for dents or broken shingles, signs of hail damage. Also, inspect windows, siding, and gutters for hail marks.
Hail often comes with strong winds, which can make the damage worse. So, a detailed check is key. Keeping a record of what you find helps with fixing the roof after the storm. By carefully checking each area, homeowners can control repair costs and get their property back to normal.
Assessing Lightning Damage
Lightning strikes can cause a lot of damage to buildings, both homes and businesses. It’s important to check for damage and hidden problems. This includes looking at the structure and finding any hidden issues.
Start by checking the outside and inside of the building. Look for signs of fire and smoke from lightning, like scorch marks on roofs, walls, or wiring. These signs mean there was a direct strike that could have started fires.
Also, check the electrical system for any problems. Electrical surge protection helps protect appliances and circuit breakers from lightning strikes. Look for signs like burnt outlets, damaged devices, and smells from electrical issues.
Don’t forget to check trees and outdoor structures too. Trees hit by lightning might look split, have no bark, or even be dead. If they fall, they can cause more damage. So, it’s important to check them right away.
After a lightning strike, a full check-up is key to find any damage early. Lightning can cause fires and electrical problems, which are dangerous. Having good electrical surge protection and checking for damage quickly helps keep everyone safe.
Structural Damage Concerns
After a big storm, checking your home’s structure is key to safety. Look at load-bearing walls for cracks or leaning. These signs could mean your home is at risk.
Checking the foundation is also crucial. Look for any shifts or cracks that could affect your home’s stability.
Don’t forget to check inside your home too. Inspect attics and crawlspaces for damage. Beams and rafters might be warped or damaged from the storm.
Getting a pro to check your home can give you expert advice. Look at different quotes and plans to find the best solution. Fixing structural problems quickly helps avoid more damage and keeps your home safe.
Evaluating Contractor and Insurance Claims Post-Storm
After a storm hits, picking the right contractors and handling insurance claims is crucial. The National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud (NCPHIF) suggests a careful selection process to dodge contractor fraud. Here are steps to prevent contractor fraud:
- Contact multiple contractors to compare services and prices.
- Verify the contractor’s licenses and insurance coverage.
- Choose contractors based on detailed written estimates rather than solely on the lowest bid.
- Be cautious of unsolicited door-to-door repair offers.
When filing insurance claims, keep detailed records to back up your claim. Photos and detailed damage descriptions help make the process more accurate and quick. Here are tips for filing insurance claims well:
- Photograph and document all damages right after the storm.
- Contact your insurance company quickly to start the claim.
- Keep detailed records of all talks with your insurer and contractor.
By following these tips, homeowners can make the recovery process smoother. Properly checking contractors and having strong insurance claims help with quick repairs and protect against frauds.
Conclusion
After a storm, getting back to normal takes a series of key steps. First, making sure everyone is safe is crucial. This sets the stage for a detailed check of the damage.
Looking closely at water, wind, hail, lightning damage, and the building’s strength helps homeowners plan repairs. This way, they know what needs fixing.
Choosing skilled restoration services is key to a smooth recovery. These pros handle the damage well and help with insurance claims. Keeping detailed records of damage and repairs makes the insurance process easier and faster.
Starting with a thorough check-up early on can really help with fixing things later. Working with experts in restoration means a quicker and safer recovery. It also keeps the property safe and its value stable. A careful plan for checking and fixing damage is essential for a quick and strong recovery.