Even if you have a relatively new home that was designed to withstand storms, some damage could occur during high winds or heavy rainfall. That is why it is so important for you to inspect a few key places in your home immediately after any major storm.
Roof
Following a storm of any type, you must immediately take a close look at your roof. While modern roofs are designed to be as sturdy as possible, the outer shingles and tiles can still become damaged whenever there are high winds, falling tree branches, or hail. As long as the damage isn’t extensive, a roof repair contractor should be able to replace most of the shingles or tiles within a day or two.
Attic
After you have taken a look at the outside of your roof, you should then head into the attic to see if there is any water damage. Water damage can quickly spiral out of control and destroy some of the most important building materials in your home. A few of the most common signs of water damage include moldy insulation, moldy wooden beams, a musty smell, sagging ceilings, and warped walls.
The Yard
Your home is probably going to be your primary concern following a storm, but your front and backyard need to be inspected as well. In most areas, yards must be angled so that rainwater will quickly drain away, but not all yards are properly graded. When water becomes trapped in a yard, it could kill off all of your plants and potentially even damage your sewage system. Standing water out in your yard is also going to increase your risk of mosquitoes and other unwanted pests.
Drainage System
Your sewage line can back up for many different reasons, and that includes heavy rainstorms. When the sewage line becomes clogged, it could eventually result in water flooding your home through all of your sinks and showers, and that type of damage is quickly going to spread. At the very least, you should spend a few minutes checking all of the sinks, toilets, and showers throughout your home to ensure that there isn’t any sewage water seeping back in.
If you notice any home damage following a storm, you must immediately contact your insurance provider to explore your options. Many homeowners only have a few days to report storm damage if they want to receive any type of compensation, so be sure to check for these signs as soon as the storm has settled.
