Whenever bad weather hits, our homes become a top priority to care for afterwards. Here’s how to inspect your home after a major weather event.
by Atomic Mommy Editors
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After a major weather event, such as a hail storm, flood, snowstorm, hurricane or tornado, it is crucial to inspect your home for damage. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the damage that can be caused by these unpredictable storms. This leads many homeowners to wonder how they should be inspecting their homes for possible damage. Thankfully, National Home Improvement in Littleton, Colorado or wherever your home is located, can assist with these repairs and improvements.
Companies like these specialize in evaluating damage that was done or damage that may happen. They can provide you with in-depth insights as to how to prepare your home for future damage. Areas like foundations, roofs, and windows can all be looked at in a preemptive attempt to ensure no serious damage occurs.
That’s why today, we’re going to share a quick guide on how to inspect your home after a major weather event. Hopefully, this will help you in protecting your home in the future, so let’s get started.
Check your roof
The first thing you should do when inspecting your home after a major weather event is to check your roof. Look for any missing or damaged shingles and holes. If these are caught early enough, you can save yourself water damage down the road. Be sure to also inspect the gutters and downspouts for any debris that may have accumulated during the storm. If you see any damage, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.
If you live in an area that was impacted by a hurricane, it is also important to check for any nails or other sharp objects that may have been blown onto your roof during the storm. These can cause serious damage if they are not removed promptly. If you are unsure of how to inspect your roof properly or if you see significant damage, it is always best to contact a professional roofing contractor for assistance.
Inspect the exterior of your home
After you have inspected your roof, it is time to move on to the exterior of your home. First, inspect all of the windows and doors for any damage, such as broken glass, broken door frame, or loose trim. If you see any damage, it is crucial to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.
In addition, be sure to inspect the siding of your home for any cracks or holes that may have been caused by high winds or flying debris. If you see any damage, it is important to have it repaired promptly to prevent water from entering your home and causing further damage.
Separately from the windows, doors, and siding, check your home’s foundation for cracks or chips. These, if left unchecked, can also prove harmful as they can allow water to seep into your home. On top of this, you’ll want to check the ground level around your foundation. If it is too low or there are sunken areas, this can also prove to be damaging by allowing water seepage.
Lastly, give your garage a thorough inspection same as your home. Regardless of whether your garage is attached or detached, it is a structure that requires maintenance. So, give the garage a similar inspection.
Look for water damage
Water damage is one of the most common side-effects of a major weather storm. Be sure to check your ceilings, walls, and floors for any signs of water damage. Water stains are often brown or yellow. You can also check for signs of mold or mildew, as these are often due to extra moisture in the area. In addition, water damage can weaken the structural integrity of your home, making it more susceptible to future weather damage.
If you see any water spots, stains or damage, be sure to have water damage specialists investigate further to determine the extent of the damage.
Check for electrical damage
Another common type of damage after a major weather event is electrical damage. Be sure to inspect all of the electrical outlets in your home, as well as any exposed wiring. If you see any damaged or frayed wires, be sure to have them replaced by a qualified electrician as soon as possible.
In addition, if you lose power during the storm, be sure to have an electrician inspect your home’s electrical system before turning the power back on. This will ensure that everything is safe and up to code.
The Takeaway
By following these simple steps, you can safely inspect your home for damage after a major weather event. If you see any damage, be sure to have it repaired promptly to avoid further damage to your home. And, if you are unsure of how to inspect your home properly, always contact a professional contractor for assistance.