Severe atmospheric disturbances like hail, cyclones, hurricanes, heavy downpours, snow storms, etc., are every homeowner's nightmare. Depending on the storm's severity, the house is exposed to physical damage in varying degrees. The impact can cause a loss of structural integrity and threaten the home's occupants.
The typical storm damage the property can go through could be hail damage, wind damage, impact damage, and water damage, to list out a few types of disrepair caused by storm disturbances.
Even a light thunderstorm with strong winds can cause extensive damage through falling trees and debris over the house. So it is a good idea to go over the entire place with a fine tooth comb and check every inch thoroughly before calling flood restoration services.
Checklist for assessing storm damage
i) Check for debris on the roof: Tree branches can break off and fly onto the roof with the wind force, causing damage to the roof structures. In addition, it could lead to water seepage through cracks in the roof, and wet stains could develop on the house's ceiling.
ii) Look for missing roof shingles: It's advisable to do proper scanning of the roof structure after a storm. Missing, dented, or cracked shingles should be immediately replaced to minimize damage by water seepage.
iii) Inspect chimneys and gutters: It is essential to assess gutter damage as water pools on the roof can lead to excessive water damage. In addition, improper drainage could happen if the gutters are broken or clogged. Finally, the flashings around the chimney could pull apart due to the wind force, causing water to seep under it and leak into the house.
iv) Assess water spots: Water can be easily absorbed through the cracks in the walls and ceiling. This could lead to water spots on the interior surfaces of the house, leading to decay and mildew growth. Do another check a few days later, as it takes time for the surfaces to dry out after a storm.
v) Scan the windows thoroughly: Window shutters can come loose, and the panels can develop cracks that could cause damage over time. Even the frame of the shutters could develop minor cracks, which need to be repaired to prevent water from seeping in.
vi) Investigate outbuildings and fencing: Any outbuildings on the property must also be inspected and scanned as thoroughly as the main house after storm damage. Especially take care with fencing posts or boundary walls as often these can go undetected for a long time, leaving the perimeter unsecured.
vii) Inspect crawl spaces: The crawl spaces under the house can be a source of water pooling there, and one might even need to use equipment like a sump pump to drain it free of the water. In addition, rotting, mold growth, etc., can develop due to dampness and affect the health of the building and its occupants.
viii) Assess trees and pylons: The trees and pylons around and outside the property could have suffered storm damage. They should be adequately checked as they could break later, causing damage to the property.
Once all of this has been done, it's time to call flood damage restoration services like the American Restoration Professionals and work to set the damage right.
Why American Restoration Professionals?
American Restoration Professionals are a total service water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and disaster restoration company in Stoughton, MA. They provide their clients with the best possible home services experience through their well-trained and accomplished team of professionals through:
- A quick quote
- local service technicians
- expertise in residential and commercial projects
