Take Steps to Protect Your Home After a Storm

Your homeowner’s insurance is a critical step to protecting your home. When a storm hits there are a few things you should do to detect damage and prevent further damage. After the storm – take a walk around the house and note any damage to your home. Here are some tips for what to look for when inspecting your home after a storm.

Siding

Look for cracks or splits running parallel to your siding.  Look for chipping.  This is typically found in a half-circle shape. Chips are best found by looking up from underneath a panel section. Look for holes that might have been punched in the siding by hail or flying debris.

If you have aluminum siding, check for pieces that have been torn off as well as dings or dents.  

If you have brick or stucco, it might be wise to get a full property damage inspection from a trusted contractor.  These structures usually stand up well to storms, but the trim, gutters, flashing, vents, and roof are highly vulnerable to costly damage.

Gutters

Be sure to keep your gutters clean and free of clogs.  When a storm comes through and your gutters are clogged, the water can back up and the weight could cause your gutters to sag, which could cause them to pull away from your house. Full or clogged gutters can result in damage to your foundation. There is also the chance that your gutters could fall off your home.  An annual inspection could help prevent this from happening.

Roof

One of the most common parts of the home to be damaged in a storm is the roof.  While the damage could be minimal now, roof damage can escalate into a costly loss.  

Wind can cause shingles to deteriorate or cause debris to fall on the roof and cause damage.  Shingles can lift off or become punctured which leaves your roof vulnerable to leaks.  

Signs of roof damage might be curled shingles, water spots, missing shingles, or missing flashing. If there was hail, you might find dings and dents in asphalt shingles.

If you have damage, call us at Kannel Insurance so we can walk you through the next steps!