Strong winds and heavy rainfall brought about by storms can deal massive damage to one’s home. The expected cost of damage from hurricane winds and flooding in the US is at $54 Billion in the US, with households getting the biggest share of losses ($34 Billion). Depending on the intensity of the hurricane, and any subsequent catastrophes that it may have triggered such as flash floods, a house can even be destroyed beyond repair by getting torn down by strong winds or even swept away by flood.
But even for homes that are lucky enough to stay standing after a hurricane, it’s essential to have any damage repaired as soon as possible to protect your home from further damage and to secure your family’s safety. Likewise, spotting the damage and documenting them is also important for claiming insurance.
So, once the storm clears and it’s completely safe to go outside, homeowners need to check for these issues and areas of the home:
#1 The Roof and Gutters
Your roof is arguably the most important part of your house (apart from the wall) as it protects you from the elements, but it is also usually the one that takes the most damage during a strong storm. Even a well-constructed house’s roof won’t go through a Category 1 or 2 hurricane unscathed. Mildly strong winds can snap off branches from trees that can damage your roof, and stronger winds can loosen or damage one’s roof, gutter, and sidings. Some shingles may be missing, or gutters may even by loosened or fully detached. Much stronger winds (from category 3 or more) can potentially rip off your roof.
If you can’t detect any obvious damage from your roof, make sure to check inside the house for any possible signs of leaks on the walls and ceilings, which can be symptoms of roof damage. It’s best to call your local roofing contractors in Salt Lake City, Utah, to have your roof inspected and undergo repair (or even replacement) if needed.
#2 Basement
The next thing you should check should be your basement for flooding. Torrential downpour can result in flooding (or even flashfloods, depending on where you live), and the basement is often the first part to be flooded. Cracks in the foundation, poor construction, and lack of flood-proofing measures (such as sump pumps) can result in a flooded basement, which can be as stressful as it is expensive to repair. But even if your basement isn’t knee-deep in floodwater, do check the walls and floors for any sign of moisture or puddles. Afterward, you should have your sump pump inspected to see if it’s still in working order and ready for the next storm.
#3 Interior and Exterior Walls and Windows
Lastly, go around your house to check your walls and windows for any signs of damage such as cracks, loose boards, and leaks; strong winds can throw debris against your windows and walls, which can result in dents or cracks. On the inside, you should check if there’s any leaks from your window that should be sealed or signs of damage on the glass that necessitates a replacement.
The Takeaway
No matter how well-made your home is, or how much you’ve prepared it to be storm-resilient, it’s very rare for it to endure the hurricane without a scratch. So even if there’s no ‘obvious’ damage to your home at first glance, it’s still best to check on these areas to have any issues fixed ASAP before they get any worse — and more expensive to repair.
