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Storms are a part of nature that will never change, and with them comes the potential for storm damage. In the summer, heavy rain and hurricanes can be a threat to your property. In the winter, snow and ice can cause hazards that might put your safety in jeopardy. No matter what type of storm is on the horizon, water leaking and property damage is something you should check for immediately following every storm.

The hazards of storm damage don’t stop with your property and the structures around you. Rain and storm water can carry contaminants that are hazardous to your health. Just think about all the places that water traveled before it entered your home. It can carry bacteria from sewer lines and storm drains or contaminants from oil, grease, fertilizer, and pesticides. It can cause structural damage to your home and be a breeding ground for hazardous microorganisms like mold.

Checking for Storm Damage

Your home serves as a shelter to protect you from the storm. Therefore, after the storm, you need to protect your home from the potential hazards that can be created from storm damage. Even if there is no visible sign of damage once the storm has subsided, it is important to take check around to be sure. If you identify storm damage early, you can make a repair and avoid the risk of losing the window of opportunity for an insurance claim. The top three places to check for storm damage are the exterior of your home, the interior of your home, and your roof.

Storm Damage to the Roof

The roof is the most vulnerable to damage because there are many things that can impact it. High winds, fallen tree branches, and rainwater can all create storm damage to your roof that can be dangerous. After a storm, when it is safe, take some time to go out and inspect your roof. Look for holes in the roof, split seams, missing shingles, or areas that appear to have water damage.

Storm Damage to the Exterior

Many homeowners report that they noticed storm damage to the exterior of their home when it was too late to file an insurance claim. Take some time to walk around your house and look for cracks, chips, or dents in the siding. Be sure you are doing this when there is enough light to notice the damage. Look for holes in stucco or damage to brick exteriors. Detached or damaged trim and gutters are more noticeable when you are checking for storm damage. And, pay attention to damaged windows and window casings.

Storm Damage to the Interior

Storm damage to the interior of your home is more apparent. You might easily notice water stains on the walls or floors, especially on ground floors. But take some extra time to pay careful attention to this type of damage. Water damage can be a hazard to the structure of your home and can damage your health when mold and mildew develop. Wet insulation, water seepage in the attic, and cracked skylights are also obvious signs of storm damage. And, like with the exterior, check your windows. Look for shattered glass, broken window panes, or damaged frames.

Heavy rains, strong winds, and destructive hail can create hazardous storm damage to your property. Don’t let the damage affect your family and your home. Check for storm damage and call a professional restoration expert to help solve the problem.