It does not really matter what the name of the most recent storm is, but the damage it may cause is undeniable. If you do not look for signs of damage right away, you might not notice a damp patch on your ceiling or pieces of broken glass littering your yard. Post-storm inspections are crucial because they allow you to catch problems early and prevent them from getting worse. Some of the most common storm damage signs to look out for include the following:
Roof tiles that are loose or missing
Your waterproof roof should be the first thing you check after a storm since it is easy to take it for granted until it collapses. You will need to provide them to your insurer if you discover any damaged or missing tiles and file a claim; take detailed pictures of the damage and make notes about the repairs needed. After a storm, inspect the roof for loose tiles so that they may be repaired before the next one occurs.
As soon as possible after a storm, call your insurance’s hotline and/or hire a reputable roofer to minimise future damage, or your insurer may hold you accountable. Repairing even a few lost roof tiles is worth the effort, even if it is a tiny one. Water intrusion into your house may lead to various issues, ranging from rotted roof beams to adjacent tiles that are left more vulnerable to the weather.
Broken glass
There is a chance that garden sheds, cold frames, and greenhouses might be damaged by flying debris. As with roofs, it is essential to get a broken window fixed or replaced by a glazer as soon as possible after contacting your insurance company to do so. If a storm damages the same window repeatedly, it may be worthwhile to install shutters so that the glass may be shielded in the future.
There are times when replacing garden glass is important in order to keep a storage shed’s contents safe, and you can do it yourself, provided you are confident in your abilities and equipped with the proper safety gear. If not, a glazer will be able to assist you with removing the old glass and installing a new one. Wearing safety goggles and heavy-duty gloves, remove any residual fragments from the frame before recycling the glass and replacing it with a new pane built to the correct size. Shatterproof clear acrylic can be used in place of the shattered glass if it is more convenient to install.
Damage to the garden
You may want to check your garden for objects that have not been stowed, such as patio heaters, bird tables and plant pots, in the event of a storm. Strong winds have little regard for property lines and may transport items like ladders, wheelie bins, or even plants from one yard to another. Aside from movable things, keep an eye out for damage in outbuildings like sheds or garages. Make sure that the roof, windows, and guttering are all intact, since any leaks can cause the items within to rot or decay.
Storms can also uproot trees and knock them over, so if this happens to your home or outbuildings, be sure to snap pictures for your insurance company. The only thing you need to do if they have fallen and not damaged your property is remove them. An arborist may help with huge jobs by removing any fallen or broken branches and grinding the stump if necessary. If a tree is uprooted, they can tell if it can be replanted.
Gates, fences, and hedges can also be damaged during a storm. When it comes to repairing or replacing them, they are not covered by your insurance, so you can choose a competent tradesperson without first contacting your insurer.
Flooding
The first thing you should do if heavy rain has made its way into your home during a storm is to have your gas and electricity examined by a licensed engineer and a registered electrician, respectively, to ensure that your pipes and appliances are not filled with water.
Next, determine if any items, such as drapes, furniture, or appliances, will need to be replaced. Because an insurance company may want to examine this information, it is advisable not to toss it. A good rule of thumb for drying wet carpets is to keep them on the floor rather than lifting them out of the way, since this might cause them to shrink. After a flood, do not rush to redecorate; it might take weeks for your property to completely dry out. Purchase airbrick coverings and flood boards for entrances to cover any openings where rainwater may have entered your property.
Foundations
House foundations might weaken and crumble if there is a lot of water accumulating. Make a thorough inspection of both the outside and interior walls for any signs of cracks or bulges. Keep an eye on things over the next several weeks, even if they appear to be going well. It is possible for water to sweep away soil beneath the house’s footings and not cause any problems for months after the storm has passed. Keep an eye out for cracks in the walls or doors that get jammed. This might be a sign that the foundation of the house has been compromised, causing it to shift.
Electrical components
There should be a replacement for any electrical component that has been submerged in floodwaters. Electrical components can be severely harmed by waterborne contaminants. Electrical fires are a real possibility if they malfunction. Get an expert HVAC contractor or home inspector to go over your heating system if it has been damaged by flooding. Changing individual components is an option in many situations rather than replacing the complete equipment.
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