Storms are a destructive force of nature that we can’t stop. If you live in a storm-prone area, you’ve probably seen the severe damage it can do to property.

Heavy rains can cause flooding and severe winds can destroy homes in an instant. That’s why we need to be ready to repair storm damage before things get worse.

What Is Storm Damage Restoration?

Damage to property caused by a storm has to be evaluated to ensure that nobody would get injuries. So before anything else, the safety of others should be prioritized.

In order for this to be done successfully, we need to have an understanding of the different types of storm damage that might occur.

Hail Damage: Hail can happen everywhere. The size of debris ranges from .2 to 1.75 inches but has been larger. It often causes shingles to tear and dent or cut roofs. With the amount of damage it can cause, it's best to prepare your home for hail storms.

Despite the potential damage it can cause, hail can still be left unnoticed. For this reason, you need to look out for dents, bent roofing vents or pipes, and cracked shingles.

Wind Damage: Shingles on roofs can be torn or bent by winds that are very strong. Rainwater may find its way beneath a missing or bent shingle as a result of this. Pooling water can also create roof leaking due to the weight and clog gutters. Winter Storms: Blizzards sometimes come with hail storms which can inflict massive damage to your home’s roof. Paired with strong winds and ice, this can result in severe structural damage within an area. Flooding: Floods from heavy storms not only cause property damage but also health concerns due to water contamination. Oftentimes, flooding can weaken support beams and cause wall damage. Because of this, floods can cause homes to collapse.

Now that we have a baseline of the types of storm damage, it’s time to know about how these affect our properties.

Effects Of Storm Damage

Storms can have long-lasting effects on property. At a glance, a house might have taken minimal damage, but there could still be underlying issues. Delaying roof repairs after a storm can lead to water damage and molding.

But leaky roofs don't fix themselves and the majority of the time, you won't become aware of house damage until it's too late.

That said, storm damage affects properties in two ways:

Lifespan and Durability

Roofs are always subject to wear and tear and storm damage amplifies this process. As such, damaged roofs can result in a shortened lifespan.

Minor roof damage can also reduce its durability. If granules went missing after a storm, then your roof might not remain waterproof for long.

This can result in flat roof water drying off as it pools in one spot. But, this could cause your roof to fold inward and leak when it rains again.

Broken shingles can also lead to further issues if left unrepaired. On the surface, the damage might not look intensive enough to merit a replacement.

However, temporary fixes that work out in the short term can become expensive, full-blown roof replacements down the line.

Reduced Property Value

If your home has damage, its value drastically drops. If your roof has leaks due to storm damage, then it can’t really serve its purpose.

So, if you're trying to sell your property, having a damaged roof makes your home look unattractive. Along with this, people are more likely to give lowball offers due to the property’s poor condition.

It’s clear that storms can severely affect your property. That’s why we should look into storm damage restoration as early as possible.

Roof Repairs: Storm Damage Restoration Process

At the end of the day, homeowners have the final say when it comes to roof restoration after storms. But as a rule of thumb, taking preventative measures now is a good investment for future-proofing for the next eventual storm.

One of the most effective measures is investing in siding or cladding to protect against siding storm damage.

That said, here’s the step-by-step process in the storm damage restoration process:

Get In Touch With Your Insurance Company

We must inform our insurance provider and brief them on how severe the storm affected your property and record any visible house damage.

Inspect Your Roof

Things might look okay at the front, but your roof might tell a different story. Climb a ladder and check for roof damage. Take photos for documentation purposes so it’s easier to process insurance claims.

Repair Immediate Issues

If you can find damages that need immediate fixes, then you should handle those as soon as possible. You can use temporary fixes to address the issue to avoid further complications. But, down the line, make sure to get it fixed properly.

Get A Professional Assessment

An insurance adjuster should perform a comprehensive inspection of the condition of your roof. You should also consider having second or third opinions from other contractors to check your roof and provide you with costing.

Hire A Contractor To Replace Your Roof

Once all the assessments are done, hire a contractor to replace your roof if necessary. You can either choose your insurance company’s contractor or hire your own.

Key Takeaways

Severe weather can ruin your family’s home or business. As such, repairs after a storm should be prioritized. But incomplete or poor storm damage restoration can compromise safety and health. That said, here’s a rundown of what you need to know when it comes to storm damage repairs:

  • Severe weather affects the lifespan and durability of your roof and reduces overall property value if left unrepaired.
  • Different kinds of storm damage require particular kinds of repairs to be carried out.
  • After a storm, contact your insurance provider and take documentation of the damage.
  • It's recommended that professionals assess your property following a storm to ensure safety isn’t compromised.
  • If the roof needs replacing, hire a contractor sooner rather than later to avoid underlying issues that could get worse over time.