- Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles, holes, and leaks.
- Look around the home for signs of water damage, such as bubbling paint.
- Open and close all doors and windows to check seals and locks.
- Inspect the plumbing system for leaks and cracked pipes.
- Assess property landscape, including trees, branches, and structures, to look for damage.
Storms can cause a lot of damage to your home, both inside and out. They can damage roofs, walls, windows, and doors and also cause flooding and other water damage. After a storm, it’s essential to inspect the inside and outside of your home for any signs of wear.
Detection of such damage after a storm can help you prevent further damage and ensure your home is safe. Here is a checklist of what you must inspect at home after storm damage.
Check for Roof Damage
One of the first things you should do when inspecting your home after a storm is to check your roof for any damage. Look for any missing or damaged shingles, as well as any noticeable holes or leaks.
If you’re unsure whether your roof has been damaged, you can always hire a professional to inspect it. Take pictures of any damage you find, as this will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.
Look for Water Damage
After a storm, it’s essential to look around your home for any water damage that might have occurred. Even if you didn’t experience any apparent flooding, moisture could have seeped into unexpected places, like behind walls or beneath floors, and caused problems that you can’t see. One telltale sign of hidden water damage is peeling or bubbling wall paint.
If you notice this symptom, it might be time to call in professional home painters to address the issue and prevent further damage from occurring. Ignoring water damage can lead to costly repairs in the future and compromise the integrity of your home, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get an expert opinion if you suspect something is wrong.
Open and Close Doors and Windows
After a storm, you must check all your doors and windows to ensure they open and close correctly. Some may become stuck and require adjustment or repair. Inspect the seals and locks of your doors and windows, too, as a damaged seal could allow water to penetrate during the next storm.
Inspect the Plumbing
Storms can also affect your plumbing system. Look for any leaks or cracked pipes in your plumbing system. Also, check for any signs of blocked drains or sump pump failure that may cause flooding inside your house. Fixing these problems is crucial before the next rainfall.
Evaluate Your Landscape
A storm can cause significant damage to your landscape, even if it lasts just a few minutes. It is vital to assess your property after a shower and evaluate the damage that might have occurred.
Check for Standing Water
First, you should check for any standing water on your property. The water can cause your grass and plants to rot, and it can also lead to erosion. If you find any standing water, you should remove it as soon as possible. You can use a hose to drain the water or a shovel to create a trench to help the water flow away from your property.
Assess Trees and Branches
Storms can cause trees and branches to fall, which can be dangerous for you and your family. You should inspect all the trees on your property and look for broken branches or trees leaning too far. If you find a damaged tree, hiring a professional arborist to remove it safely is best.
Look for Damage to Structures
Your landscape includes more than just trees and plants. It also includes any buildings, fences, or other structures on your property. You should inspect these structures and look for any damage that might have occurred during the storm. If you find any issues, you should repair them immediately to prevent further damage.
Take Pictures
Finally, it is essential to take pictures of any damage that you find. These pictures can be evidence if you must file a claim with your insurance company. Take photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any damage.
Final Thoughts
Inspecting your home after a storm is crucial to its maintenance and safety. Start with the roof, then move inside and check for water damage and issues with windows, doors, and plumbing. Finally, evaluate any damage to outdoor furniture or your landscape to prevent future accidents. Recording any harm for your insurance will cover any necessary repairs. Stay safe, and be cautious when inspecting your home for storm damage.