What do you do when a storm comes? In a storm, the most important thing is to stay safe. But when the wind and rain stop, you need to check for damage and make sure your home is safe. If you've never been in a storm before, you might not know what to look for. Read on for some great tips on how to repair your home after a storm or other disaster.
Check Your Roof
High-speed winds can break windows, knock down trees, and damage roofs. If the wind blows off your roof tiles, the roof deck or underlayment will be open to the weather. It will leave your home open to damage from water.
Check the outside of your house for the following after strong winds:
Missing tiles from the roof
Damaged and cracked tiles
Debris in your gutters
Damaged guttering
Broken roof supports
Check For Rain Damage
Mold can grow when water damage and leaks aren't fixed. It can damage the structure and foundation of your home. After a storm, look for the following signs of water damage to prevent mold from growing:
Water spots and brown, copper, or yellow spots on the ceiling.
Wallpaper or paint that is peeling or bubbling, as well as any cracks
Mold, leaks, or wood rot and musty smells in the attic, basement, or crawlspace
Floors with holes or warped boards, and sagging, soft, wet wood, expanded wood, or laminate
Fog and moisture building up between panes of glass
If you have any of these issues, you’ll need to get the repairs done quickly, and when it comes to water damage cleanup, experts at the best answer.
Check Utilities
Your utilities can also be damaged by storms. For example, a gas pipe could be damaged, and if that damage leads it to leak inside a house, it would be dangerous. It could lead to a buildup of toxins that are dangerous to breathe in. Or, it could make your home's air flammable and explosive. It's so dangerous that you could lose your home and everything you own, or even your life. If you smell gas or think there might be a leak, turn off the gas valve in your home right away.
Gas is not the only issue either; electricity can also be affected, and as well as being annoying if you have no power, again, this can be dangerous. Check things carefully and if you think anything is amiss, call in professionals to help you.
Secure The Exterior
If you can, bring someone with you to check the safety of the yard and the outside of the house. Look at your house's foundation, door and window frames, and siding. Check your property for pools of water, but don't get too close to them; they could be hiding dangerous objects and places to trip over.
So, now you know; these are the best ways to fix things after a storm so you can get back up and running as soon as possible. Remember that there may still be dangers after a storm has passed, so stay safe above all else.
