- After a storm, check your roof for missing shingles, cracks, or leaks.
- Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and mold growth, so clean and repair them.
- Inspect your home’s siding for cracks, discoloration, water stains, or peeling paint.
- Protect your windows and doors from storm damage by installing shutters or film and reinforcing them with screws.
- Check your trees for broken or hanging branches that could cause damage to your property.
Storms can cause damage to your home, and it’s essential to check your property after a storm. Not only can it prevent further damage, but it can also save you money in the long run. Almost every homeowner should have a plan in place to inspect their home after a storm, and it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. This blog will go through some home maintenance checks you can do after a storm to ensure your home is in good condition and safe for your family.
1. Check Your Roof
Your roof is the first line of defense against a storm. It’s essential to check your roof after a storm for damage, such as missing shingles, cracks, or leaks. If you find any damage, you can hire a residential roofing contractor to repair the damage. Neglecting this can lead to more significant problems, such as water damage, which can cause mold and mildew.
If you can’t get onto your roof to inspect it, use binoculars or a drone for an aerial view. This will help you spot any issues from a distance. You can also hire a professional roofer to inspect the roof for you.
2. Inspect Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up into your home’s foundation. This will damage your home’s structure and can lead to mold or mildew growth. Many people forget to inspect their gutters after a storm, but it’s essential to ensure they’re clear of debris and that there are no leaks or clogs.
If your gutters are clogged with debris, you can clean them with a leaf blower or pressure washer. If your gutters are damaged, you’ll need to get them repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent water from damaging your home. You can also hire a gutter specialist to inspect and clean your gutters.
3. Check Your Home’s Siding
Your home’s siding is designed to protect your home from the elements. After a storm, you should look for any cracks or missing pieces. Some signs of damage include cracked or loose siding, discoloration, water stains, or peeling paint. These are all signs that your siding needs to be repaired or replaced.
If you notice any of these issues, hiring a professional siding contractor to inspect and repair your home’s siding is best. This will help protect your home from further damage and save you money in the long run. You may even get a discount if multiple repairs are done at once.
4. Inspect Your Windows and Doors
Your home’s windows and doors are also vulnerable to damage during a storm. Inspect them for cracks or breaks. Check to see if they still open and close correctly. If you find any damage, you should get it repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage. But you can also take steps to prepare them before a storm to avoid damage. Here are some tips:
a. Install storm shutters or curtains
You can install storm shutters or curtains to protect your windows from flying debris and high winds. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or severe storms.
b. Use heavy-duty window film
A window film is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your windows from flying debris. It’s a thin film that adheres to the window glass, providing extra protection in a storm.
c. Replace door sweeps
Door sweeps are strips of rubber or foam that fit along the bottom of your door to help keep out drafts and pests. If your door sweeps are worn or damaged, replace them with new ones before a storm to protect your home from water damage.
d. Reinforce doors and windows with screws
Reinforcing your doors and windows with screws can help prevent them from being damaged in a storm. Be sure to use long screws that won’t strip out or cause damage to your door or window frame.
5. Check Your Trees
Trees can cause a lot of damage during a storm. Check for any branches that might have broken off or are hanging. If you find any, you should get them removed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property. This is especially important if the tree is close to a structure on your property.
After a storm, checking your property to prevent further damage and save money in the long run is crucial. This post has highlighted some of the critical checks you should do after a storm, including checking your roof, gutters, siding, windows and doors, and trees. Remember, if you find any damage during your check, it’s always best to hire a professional to repair it to prevent further damage to your home.
