Identify and Deal With Spring Storm Damage

This spring has brought some intense storms to Northern Virginia, which can wreak havoc on your home and property. You may be able to see storm damage easily, or you may need to ask a professional to examine your roof or foundations. Remember, your home keeps your family safe and comfortable, so invest in taking care of it.

COMMON TYPES OF STORM DAMAGE

High winds, heavy rain, and hail can cause a wide range of storm damage to your property. For example, severe wind and rain could cause:

  • Loose or missing roof shingles
  • Damaged or detached gutters or downspouts
  • Dents and dings on vinyl siding, window sills, or your air conditioning units
  • Chips in finish on wood or metal roofs, siding, or windows
  • Missing shutters or siding

Water damage is often less easy to identify, but just as harmful to your home. However, the first time you notice water damage may be when it’s already infiltrated your home and causing discoloration on your indoor ceilings or walls. You may also find sogging or expanding wood. However, even if you don’t see any signs of damage, if your home has a musty or damp odor, you may still have water damage or mold.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR STORM DAMAGE

After a storm, you should check your home inside and out for signs of damage. For example, take a walk around the outside of your property. Check your trees for loose or fallen branches or other debris littering your yards.

You should also examine your siding for signs of splitting, cracking, or chipping. You may also find that you’ve lost pieces of siding from the wind. You should also look at your roof. You may find broken shingles in your yard or see patches on your roof where the shingle has broken or detached. While you’re looking at your roof, you should also check your gutters and downspouts.

You should also inspect the inside of your home. For example, you may notice missing window panes in your doors or windows. You should also look for for discoloration, bubbling, or changing in the texture of your ceilings or walls that indicate water damage. And while you’re looking for water damage, venture down to your basement to look for signs of expansion or cracking in the floor, which are signs of water damage to your foundation.

HOW TO ADDRESS STORM DAMAGE

You can DIY some storm repairs and cleaning up your yard, but when it comes to your roof, siding and windows, you may be best off working with a contractor you can trust. Repairing or replacing a roof can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing or don’t have any experience working on a roof. Similarly, a professional can repair, patch, or replace your siding quickly, leaving you with a beautiful home.

FILING AN INSURANCE CLAIM

If you’re going to file an insurance claim to cover your repairs, make sure to take pictures of all the damage before you start to clean it up. You should also read through your insurance policy to remind yourself of what is or isn’t covered.

The team at Trusted Veterans Restoration offers expert home repairs to restore your property after a storm. They can also help you navigate the complex and frustrating maze of home insurance claims.