How to Identify Storm Damage on Your Property

When a storm hits your property, do you know how to distinguish what kind of property damage has occurred? When most home and property owners are thinking of roof shingles, they are usually thinking of asphalt shingles, which are the most common type of roofing shingles in the United States. These shingles are made from asphalt that is reinforced with organic material or fiberglass, and are then coated with small metallic granules that protect the shingles from UV rays, therefore speeding deterioration. These shingles come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and styles, and during severe thunderstorms, asphalt shingles can be seriously damaged and can require extensive repair or replacement.

On an asphalt roof, hail damage will come off as a dark spot, or a bruise, where the roofing granules have been knocked away. In some cases there may be holes, missing shingles or cracking when it comes to hail or storm damage. If you have recently experienced a tornado, then you may notice split seams and torn or missing shingles. As a result of this, leaking can occur and even serious water damage; and this can lead to the formation of mold and wood rot, which can directly affect the building structure of your roof, resulting in a collapse. When a severe wind storm hits, it is also common for shingles or sections of the roof to be missing altogether. On other types of roofs, including wood, metal, tile and slate, damage can include broken or cracked shingles, missing shingles, torn or split seams, and missing sections of the roofing structure. If anything has fallen onto your roof during a storm, that could include a tree limb or other debris, there is a possibility that you may have sustained structural damage, and it is important to proceed with extreme caution.

There are a couple common signs of roof damage, and they include: missing shingles, leaks in your roofing, dents on vents or gutters, cracked or broken tiles, slate, or concrete shingles, bruises or dented asphalt shingles, and granules collecting in gutters or downspouts.

After a severe storm hits your area, the exterior of your home is the area that sustains the most damage. Wind, heavy rain, hail, and flying debris are the most common causes of exterior damage. If your property has been hit by hail, you could notice discolored spots, dents, cracks, or chips in your paint or siding. If you have a home made of stucco, you should look for cracking, chipping, and holes in the stucco!

There are a couple signs of exterior damage such as dings and dents, holes and breaks, chipping and discoloration, and cracks and splitting.

In areas that experience frequent high winds, many homes have protective storm shutters to protect any exposed glass. Even if you have these storm shutters, many windows can get cracked or damaged regardless. If your home has been hit by a tornado, high winds, or even hail, cracked or broken windows and damaged window casings are the most common signs of damage. It is always important to watch out for shards of glass, and to make sure you board up any shattered windows until they can be properly repaired.

There are a couple of common signs of window damage, and that includes shattered windows, damaged frame, cracks and holes, and broken panes.

If you suspect you have storm damage on your property, make sure to call a certified and qualified storm damage repair contractor. 

  • FAQ on Water Damage

    How Can You Cleanup Water Damage on Your Own?

    Cleaning up water damage can be a difficult and time-consuming task. However, there are some things that you can do to clean up the damage and prevent further damage from occurring. The first thing that you need to do is to remove any wet items from the area. This includes carpeting, furniture, draperies, and anything else that is wet. Once you have removed these items, you need to dry the area as much as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water from the area. You can also use fans to help dry the area. Once the area is dry, you need to disinfect it. This can be done by using a bleach solution or a disinfectant. Once the area is dry and disinfected, you need to repair any damage that has been done. This includes any holes in the walls or ceilings. You also need to repair any damaged flooring. If you have any questions about how to cleanup water damage, you should contact a professional. They will be able to give you more information and help you repair the damage.

    How fast does mold grow after a water leak?

    Under the right conditions, mold can grow within 24-48 hours. Factors that contribue to mold growth include the temperature of the area impacted by water damage and the types of materials that are saturated.

    What happens if you leave water damage?

    Leaving water damage untreated will cause it to spread, potentially damaging other areas of your home. Additionally, long-term exposure to water can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems.

    What is the best way to dry out water damage?

    The first step is to remove the water source. If the water is coming from a leaky pipe, then you will need to fix the pipe. If the water is coming from a flood, then you will need to wait for the water to recede. Once the water source has been removed, you will need to dry out the area. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by using fans and dehumidifiers. You will also need to remove any wet items from the area, such as carpeting, furniture, or clothing.

    How can you tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage

    You can tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage if it is sagging, discolored, or has water stains. A professional restoration contractor can use a moisture meter or infrared camera to detect wet spots and hidden water damage.