Did you know that around 14,000 people deal with water damage emergencies in their homes every single day? Oftentimes, this happens as a result of storm damage. Anytime a major storm rolls through your area, it’s a good idea to check your home for damage, especially since time is of the essence to prevent further issues. But, what should you do if you notice damage? We’re here to help.
Continue reading to learn about the most important steps to take after you notice storm damage to your home.
1. Stay Safe and Know What to Look For
The most important thing to do when assessing your home for storm damage is to stay safe. After a major storm, it’s not uncommon to find hazards around your home like broken glass or exposed screws and nails. You might also notice downed power lines. If you do, always assume they are still energized and stay as far away from them as possible.
You also need to know what to look for as you assess your home. Here are some of the most common signs of storm damage so you have a better idea of what to check.
- Missing or damaged shingles on your roof
- Broken windows and doors
- Damage to your air conditioning unit
- Missing or damaged siding
- Moisture damage inside or outside your home, leading to mold and mildew growth
- Flooding or standing water in your crawl space
As you’re assessing your home, you can remove debris from your gutters, if it’s safe to do so, to help keep water away from your home.
2. Document the Storm Damage
To help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve after a storm, be sure to take as many photos as you can of what you find. By taking photos of the damage, you’ll have a stronger claim to file with your insurance company.
Don’t forget to document the damage to your home and damage to your personal items as well. Most policies include coverage of personal property, so you’ll need evidence of that as well.
3. Prevent Further Damage
After you’re done documenting the damage, it’s important to take steps to prevent things from getting worse. For example, if your roof is leaking, you can put out buckets to catch dripping water or place a tarp over the hole, if it’s safe to do so. You can also cover broken windows to prevent more water damage from coming inside your home.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once your house is secure, reach out to your insurance agent as soon as possible. After you describe the damage and share the documentation of it, they’ll be able to give you the details about your policy and what you can expect it to cover. After you talk to your agent, they’ll likely send an adjuster out to your home to further assess the damage.
Be sure to keep receipts for anything that you have to buy due to the damage, including temporary living expenses, should you need to stay outside of your home until the damage is fixed.
5. Find a Restoration Company
Finally, once all of your ducks are in a row, it’s time to find a remodeling company that can repair the damage and restore your home back to its former glory. When searching for the right contractor, be sure to choose a company with a great reputation for customer service and craftsmanship so you get the best possible experience.
Here at Southern Home Services, we’ve been serving customers in the greater Charlotte area since 2001, specializing in roofing, siding, and window projects. We know how unsettling it is to witness damage to your home. Our commitment to our clients is always to work hard, treat you and your home with respect, and make the remodeling process as easy as possible so you can get back in your home.
Turn to Southern Home Services After Storm Damage to Your Home
After reading this guide, you now know the most important things to do after noticing storm damage to your home. Once it comes time to choose a contractor to repair the damage, trust the Southern Home Services team to do all the heavy lifting for you.
If you’d like to receive a quote for your project or ask any questions about the restoration process, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.
