Storm's Wrath: Unveiling the Hidden Havoc - Your Ultimate Post-Storm Home Inspection Checklist
Updated: Aug 24, 2023
The fury of a storm can leave a lasting impact on your home - both seen and unseen. As the skies clear and the winds subside, it's crucial to conduct a thorough inspection to identify any potential damage or hazards that may have been unleashed. Whether it's a torrential downpour, a howling windstorm, or a severe bout of hail, understanding what to look for in the aftermath can make all the difference in safeguarding your property and ensuring your family's safety.
In this post storm checklist guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step checklist of key areas to assess, helping you restore your home to its former glory while also fortifying it against future challenges. From examining your roof's resilience to pinpointing subtle signs of water intrusion, we've got you covered with the insights you need to navigate the aftermath with confidence.
Tip #1 - Roof Damage: Your roof can be damaged by several different components of a storm. Hail damage and lightning are more obvious, but even strong winds and flying debris can cause damage. Add these post storm checklist tips to your to do list!
A. Check your roof for any marks or indentations on the shingles from hail or debris damage.
B. Look for any missing, damaged or lifted shingles from wind damage.
C. Signs of water intrusion can include water spots on walls or ceilings, leaks, bubbling or pealing paint, mold or algae growth on your roof and more! A damp or musty smell in your attic or any of the rooms is also a good indication of possible water intrusion.
D. Check for bent or damaged flashing. Flashing can be found around chimneys, any roof protrusions like vents, roof valleys and anywhere roofing material meets a an angle. Flashing should not have dents, cracks, rust or mold growing on it.
Tip #2 -Exterior Walls: Check for cracks, holes, or damage to the siding, stucco, or brickwork. Pay close attention to any areas where water might have penetrated.
Start by visually inspecting the exterior of your home. Look for any visible damage, such as cracks, holes, dents, or loose pieces of cladding. Examine the joints, seams, and overlaps of the cladding panels. Look for gaps, separations, or signs of lifting. Properly sealed joints are essential for preventing water intrusion. Look for any loose or detached pieces of cladding, as loose cladding can lead to water infiltration and become hazardous in strong winds.
"Conducting post-storm damage checks can save you time and money. By identifying minor repairs that can be addressed right away, you prevent them from evolving into more significant issues down the line." – Dave Ganatra
Tip #3 Basement or Crawlspace: Inspect for flooding or water intrusion in your basement or crawlspace. Address any dampness or standing water promptly.
Inspecting a crawlspace after a storm requires careful attention to detail to identify potential damage or issues that may have occurred. If the crawlspace is flooded, wait until it's dry before entering since standing water can pose risks and may hide damage.
While it may not be unusual for your crawlspace to contain some water following a substantial storm, it's essential that the water drains efficiently and swiftly. If you find standing water within your crawlspace, this is a matter of concern. Look for signs of flooding or excessive moisture like high humidity, musty smells and pests. Certain insects like mosquitos thrive near standing water. Inspect the ground, walls, and any exposed foundation elements. Check the condition of any insulation present. Waterlogged or moldy insulation must be replaced.
Tip #4 -Gutters and Downspouts: Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and drainage issues. Make sure they're securely attached to the house.
Ensure that all gutters are securely fastened and that wind and excessive amounts of rain did not loosen any fasteners or effect the slope of your gutters or downspouts and their termination points after a storm. It is very important that they continue to drain water away from your home and your home's foundation and do not pose the risk of falling from the roofline.
We’re no strangers to the importance of keeping your gutters clean - it was even the topic of our last blog post! Clean gutters and downspouts ensure proper drainage of rainwater from your roof; when debris accumulates in these areas, water can get trapped, leading to overflow, leaks, and potential water damage to your home's foundation, walls, and landscaping.
Not only this, but due to the high moisture content brought on by obstructed gutters/downspouts, these can become breeding grounds for all sorts of pests and even mold - luckily, however, keeping your gutters clean is a reasonably low-maintenance task, given you observe regular care of them.
Tip #5 - Landscaping and Trees
Our final tip is to trim any broken or dangling branches following the storm - these could pose a danger to your home, and even to your power lines. These branches, weakened by storms, might fall unexpectedly, causing damage to your property, endangering your safety, and disrupting power lines.
Similarly, keep an eye out for any uprooted trees or fallen tree limbs. These can obstruct pathways, or even get tossed around in the next storm, so it is vital to take care of them before they have the chance to cause any more lasting damage to your home or property.
In Closing
Taking the time to assess storm damage to your home is a proactive step that can have far-reaching benefits. By arming yourself with the knowledge and tools to identify and address issues early on, you not only safeguard your property but also save yourself from the potential headaches and expenses of more extensive repairs down the line. Your home is likely one of, if not the, largest investments you’ll make - and because of that, we know that ensuring its well-being is of the utmost priority.