Severe storm can be a stressful event for everyone, but homeowners especially are often faced with uncertainty. After all, storms can cause severe physical damage to your home that can worsen over time if not taken care of. After a storm, you should prioritize these repairs to ensure the safety of your home and prevent more expensive repairs later down the road. Here are the first few things you should check.
Structural Damage
The first thing you should do if your house has been damaged by a severe storm is to ensure that it’s safe to enter. This can be done by checking for and correcting any electrical hazards like downed power lines or loose wires and making sure that all gas appliances are turned off. Once you’ve determined that the house is stable enough to enter, check for any obvious damage. You’ll need to prioritize repairs if you see damage to your foundation, framing, or siding. Foundation damage can be especially dangerous since it can cause the structure of your house to become unstable. So, if you see cracks in the foundation or loose mortar, you need to fix those right away.
Although damage to the framing or siding of your house may not be immediately structurally threatening, it can lead to serious problems down the road if it is not repaired. If you see damaged siding or framing, you should prioritize repairing them.
Roofing
Check your roof for storm damage and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible. Leaving loose or missing shingles unattended can lead to leaks and further damage. If you see any loose or missing shingles, be sure to replace them as soon as possible. Asphalt shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years. The easiest way to handle roof damage is to reach out to professionals, like those at Top Ridge Roofing & Restoration.
Water Damage
If you have storm damage, you should also check for leaks and water damage to your windows and doors. Mold and mildew can grow from leaks, posing a health risk. If you find water damage, dry it out as soon as possible to prevent further damage. You can detect water damage by looking for streaks and bubbling.
Conclusion
There are several repairs you should prioritize after your home has been damaged by a severe storm. Check the foundation, framing, and siding for any damage. Afterward, fix any roof, window, and door damage. These repairs will prevent further damage and ensure safety should another storm come your way.
