We have all been there, hunkered down in our basement or bathroom waiting out a tornado warning, hoping you’ll make it through the storm safely. When the coast is clear, you breathe a sigh of relief and leave your shelter to find that your home didn’t fare as well.
Nearly half of all American homes are at risk of storm damage from extreme weather events. You can’t control the weather, but you can know what to look for and how to respond. Read on to learn about different types of property damage from storms.
Wind Damage
Wind damage comes with almost all of the major weather disasters, including hurricanes and tornados. The high velocity of wind in a storm makes it possible to peel the shingles from your roof, break windows due to flying debris, and even cause trees to fall on your home.
Once you are safe, take some time to assess the property damage to your home. If you aren’t certain whether you’re in the clear, consider hiring a local contractor to make sure everything is okay. In the future, there are some steps you can take to protect your home:
- Conduct regular roof inspections and repairs
- Park your car in a garage
- Bring outdoor items inside your home in advance of a storm
- Secure any items that cannot be brought inside
Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common reasons for storm repairs. Whether you have a weak point in your roof or you experience flooding, you absolutely need to take care of water damage right away. Signs of water damage include:
- Sagging ceilings
- Water stains
- Musty smells
- Buckling and warping floors
- Mold growth
If you suspect you have water damage because of a storm, contact your home insurance company to learn about filing a claim. If you’re in Florida and your insurance company won’t work with you, contact this attorney to learn more about your rights and options.
Hail Damage
The word hail sends a shiver through any homeowner’s body. That’s because even small amounts of hail can do tremendous amounts of damage to your home. A single hailstorm can be the difference between keeping your roof for ten more years and having to replace it.
If your area has had hail recently, consider hiring a local roofing company to perform a damage assessment and make necessary repairs. Be wary of any unsolicited door-to-door roofing companies that aren’t local.
Be Prepared to Handle Storm Damage
Storm damage is not 100% preventable. Learning how to respond once the risk has passed is critical if you want to keep your home in good shape. Whether your home needs a few simple repairs or a new roof, you won’t regret taking the time to recognize storm damage.
After life throws a hurricane or tornado at you, you might think you’ve seen it all but there are still some surprises. Make sure that you’ve equipped yourself with one of the internet’s top legal resources. Check out the rest of our blog to learn why we’re the place to go for top-tier legal information.
