While spring is a beautiful time for enjoying warmer days and blooming flowers, it also signals the return of unpredictable weather. Heavy rain, strong winds, tornadoes, and flooding can occur again with the season just around the corner. Unfortunately, all of these can wreak havoc on your home or business.
Preventing extensive storm damage begins with preparing for severe weather in advance. On that note, here are some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming seasonal changes. Read on to learn more about spring storms and how to spot possible hidden damage in your home.
How Spring Storms Damage Your Home
Depending on where you live, it’s likely that your property will have to withstand more than just one storm this spring. Unfortunately, these weather events can leave you with overwhelming damage and expensive repairs.
Here are some kinds of damage that spring storms can cause to properties:
- Damage to the roof or walls due to a fallen tree
- Broken windows and shattered glass due to strong winds or hailstorms
- Downed power lines due to fallen branches or uprooted trees
- Roof and ceiling water damage due to clogged gutters
- Flooding inside the property
Parts of Your Home to Inspect for Spring Storm Damage
Identifying storm and water damage is tricky because it often goes unnoticed until after the storm has passed. To help you expedite your inspection and catch problems quickly, here are the common spots for hidden damage to check.
Plumbing
Heavy rain from spring storms can easily overwhelm your home’s plumbing and drainage system. So if you have recently experienced one, inspecting all the pipes and drains in your home is a good idea.
If you notice sewage backing up your drains or under the toilet, this may indicate your main sewer line is clogged. Using other sinks or toilets can worsen the problem, so getting professional help is recommended over exploring workarounds on your own.
Roofing
Heavy rain can wash down granules, wind can tear shingles off your roof, and hail can make shingles susceptible to leakage. Considering this, don’t forget to check your roofing for storm damage once the skies have cleared.
With that said, you don’t have to risk your safety and do this on your own. A professional has the skills and equipment to inspect your roof safely and correctly and even recommend storm damage restoration solutions for your home.
Siding and Windows
Spring storms also produce hail, which is notorious for causing significant property damage in an instant. Once it’s safe to go outside, check your siding and windows for any damage from hail. Secure any cracked windows or broken glass until they can be replaced.
Attic
Lightning striking a home is rare. If your home gets struck by one, remember to rule out the possibility of a fire. The first thing you want to do is check the attic for any visible flames and extinguish any immediately.
It’s also a good idea to report the incident to your local fire department, even if you can’t see any flame or smoke. Smoldering fire may be hiding in your attic or behind the walls, which could lead to another disaster within seconds.
What To Do After Experiencing Storm Damage
How quickly you respond can make or break your property restoration process. The sooner the damage is identified and taken care of, the sooner you can get your property and life back to normal. On that note, here are some pointers worth noting when dealing with and repairing storm damage.
Prioritize Safety
An intense tornado or windstorm may have wreaked havoc on your property, but the welfare of yourself and your loved ones comes first. Check for injuries, administer first-aid if possible, and keep everyone away from hazards such as downed power lines and unstable structures.
Switch Off Damaged Utility Lines
If you suspect your gas, water, and electricity lines have been damaged, turn them off if you can do so safely. This helps prevent further complications, like broken electricity lines starting a fire inside your home.
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of all the damage to your property before you discard unsalvageable items or perform any repairs. This documentation will be helpful when you file an insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible and work with them on the next steps to take. Following their instructions and supplying sufficient documentation of your damage can help you get the compensation you need to cover the repairs.
Work With a Restoration Team
Most importantly, get help from an experienced storm and water restoration company to return your property to its pre-damage state. It’s a good idea to choose a team that offers comprehensive services, as they have the expertise and equipment to handle all your restoration needs until the end.
Today Is The Best Time To Prepare for Spring Storms
With spring right upon us, now is the best time to prepare for its unpredictable weather. Preparing adequately and in advance helps you protect your home or business from the extensive and expensive damage that heavy rain, strong winds, and even tornadoes can bring.
Keep in mind that spring storms can get the best of even the most prepared home. However, when a natural disaster affects your property, don’t lose hope! Certified and experienced restoration companies like Restoration 1 can help get your home back to normal. All it takes is one phone call to receive the expert help you need.
Restoration 1 is an IICRC-certified company specializing in flood damage cleanup and storm damage restoration. With locations across the country, we can quickly mobilize a team of experts to get your building back up and running. Contact us anytime for assistance! We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
