Minnesota weather brings all kind of surprises, especially in the spring. Heavy rain, hailstorms, high wind—the kind of conditions that can do serious damage to your home. When it comes to storm damage, it’s always better to address it sooner rather than later to prevent further problems from developing.
But how do you know if your storm damage is a serious issue? Some problems are obvious—a tree on your roof, for example—but other forms of storm damage are sneakier. Here’s what to look for when assessing your home for storm damage.
Storm Damage to Your Roof
After a storm hits, you might be tempted to break out the ladder and take an up-close look at your roof, but if there’s serious damage, you could worsen it or hurt yourself in the process. Instead, do your best to assess the damage from the ground. If it’s difficult to see, try waiting until the sun is setting and use the shadows to your advantage to spot dips and dents.
Look for missing shingles or shingles raised by wind, as well as shingles on the ground around your home. When searching for wind damage, remember to check all sides of the house, as damage can be one-sided with the direction of the wind. Check for damage to features attached to your room, like skylights, vents, and exhaust pipes, and examine the fascia and gutters for dents or places where the gutter has been pulled away from the house.
Look for damage caused large branches or tree limbs, but it should be noted: if a tree has fallen on your home, evacuate immediately, and stay out of the building until you can get a professional assessment to examine structural damage.
Don’t neglect the inside of your home, either. In the days after the storm, keep a close eye on ceilings, light fixtures, and attic spaces for leaks or water spots. While the damage might not be visible from the outside of your home, it doesn’t mean there aren’t undiscovered problems.
Storm Damage to Your Windows, Doors, and Siding
On your windows and doors, look for cracks or holes, broken panes, and damage to the frames and surfaces. If you have window accessories, like shutters, caps, or awnings, inspect those, too.
Investigate the exterior of your home for similar damage, as well as peeling paint and discoloration. No matter your exterior’s material, most are somewhat vulnerable to storm damage. If your house has siding, it’s advisable to assess it for replacement while you’re at it.
What to Do if You Find Storm Damage to Your Home
Fully document the damage to your home for insurance purposes. Take plenty of pictures and videos, but remain aware and be careful of loose roofing material, fallen trees, and downed power lines. If the inside of your home is exposed to the elements, handle temporary repairs with tarp, plywood, or plastic coverings to keep water and wind from causing further damage.
Get a professional assessment from a trusted local contractor, and contact your insurance company quickly. Keep all receipts and records of any repairs, as it’s possible you could be reimbursed.
When your home is a victim of storm damage, the last thing you need is another source of stress. When you contract Minnesota Home Improvement to handle your storm damage repairs, you’ve got nothing to worry about. With three teams of storm responders throughout Minnesota, we’re always ready to help. Request a free quote for storm damage repair today.
The post Assessing Storm Damage to Your Home appeared first on MN Home Improvements.