While the conscientious homeowner should keep an eye on their siding and roof for damage periodically throughout the year, few people take this advice. However, after a severe thunderstorm in which hail and heavy winds presented a major threat, checking your home for damage is something that is not optional. Leaving damaged areas on the roof, siding, and windows in disrepair after heavy storms can allow serious issues to develop quickly from even the most minor problems. Hail causes $2 billion worth of damage to homes throughout the nation each year. Guard yourself against this threat by familiarizing yourself with what to look for on your home after a heavy storm moves through.
Take a Close Look
Roof damage from high winds and hail is not always apparent looking from the ground up, but there are good indicators that are within your line of sight. Dents, dings, and damage to your gutters and down spouts make the chances very good that there is damage on the roof. If the hail was large and severe enough to cause this damage on a metal surface, then it also had sufficient strength to damage the roof and move shingles out of place.
Inspect the Surfaces
Homeowners that feel comfortable climbing onto the roof should investigate the vents in addition to the shingles, or ask a local contractor to take a look. Circular dimples in shingles may indicate that damage that could lead to leaks is waiting just below the surface. Damage to windows and siding often come in the form of cracks in the surface of the glass or vinyl and surfaces that have broken their seal as they were pulled away by wind. Indications of damage such as these make it necessary to call in a professional contractor for a final assessment in addition to completing any necessary repairs.
Evaluating Contractors
If there is work to be done, get estimates from two or three different companies to ensure that you are getting the best deal. Your selection should never be made based on price alone, however. Always check to ensure that your contractor is certified and fully insured before any work begins or money changes hands. It is also wise to ask about the time frame for the estimated job so that you hold the contractor to a given deadline and avoid extra expenses. Finally, check references in terms of their credit, number of years in business, and the satisfaction rate of past customers.
Protecting your home against damage from Mother Nature can often be a tedious process, but it is always worth the extra effort. The home is the single largest asset for which most people are responsible. When it comes to dealing with roofing, siding, and storm damage, it pays to be thorough and move through the process carefully and meticulously. If you have any questions about checking out your home after severe weather, please consider calling the Mad City team. We can help you evaluate your home and ensure that any damage is taken care of in a timely fashion.
