A storm hits. Now what?

As the weather turns warmer, you might experience more storms in your area. Spring and
summer storms may seem like a perfect opportunity to take a few days off to water your garden
or to nap all day, but they can cause significant damage to your home. While your home likely is
built to withstand typical storms in your area, heavy rains and winds can take a toll on your
home, especially the exterior. After a particularly massive storm, it’s essential to make sure your
house has not suffered any damage, as most situations are exacerbated the longer they are left
untouched.

Here is a helpful list of things you need to check after a storm, condensed summarized from the
National Storm Damage Center:

Roof Damage

Depending on your type of roofing shingles, your roof could be more susceptible to damage.
Most homes have asphalt shingles; during severe storms, these can be damaged easily and
require replacement.

If you have an asphalt roof, hail damage can look like a dark spot (like a bruise). At times, there
could be holes, cracks, or missing shingles. If there has been a tornado, the wind could have
split roofing seams or missing shingles. It’s vital to fix these quickly, as it can result in leaks and
severe water damage. Left untreated, mold can grow on the wood, rotting it and compromising
the integrity of your roof. Especially in wind storms, missing shingles should be a top concern.

With other types of roofs (wood, metal, tile, slate, etc.), damage can take the form of
broken/cracked shingles, missing sections of the roof, torn seams, or missing shingles.

If a tree or a tree limb falls onto your roof during a storm, you might be at risk for structural
damage. Calling a professional is vital in this situation.

Roof Damage Signs:

● Missing shingles
● Bruises in shingles
● Cracked/broken concrete shingles
● Granules from shingles in gutters
● Leaks in the roof
● Dents on vents/gutters

Exterior Damage
The exterior of your home sustains most of the damage in a severe storm. Common causes of
exterior damage can be wind, heavy rain, and flying debris. Hail spots can be identified in the
form of discolored spots, dents, or cracks in your paint or siding of your house.
Most common signs of exterior damage:
● Dings and Dents
● Cracks and splitting
● Holes and breaks
● Chipping and discoloration

Window Damage

High wind areas can endanger your windows during storms. Even if you have storm shutters,
your windows can still get cracked or damaged. Damage is most likely to occur to your windows
if there has been hail, high winds, or a tornado. Make sure all your windows are intact if any
window is broken or cracked, be sure to clean the area and call a professional.

Signs of window damage:

● Shattered windows
● Cracks and holes
● Broken window panes
● Damaged frames

Enjoy the spring and summer weather as much as possible, but be sure to inspect your home
after a storm to make sure no damage has occurred. If your house does suffer damage
mentioned above, make sure to take proper maintenance steps and call someone immediately.
Leaving storm damage can cause significant problems over time; it’s best to fix the issues as
quickly as possible!

Source:
https://www.stormdamagecenter.org/identify-storm-damage/