The easiest way to prevent costly repairs is to complete a storm assessment as soon as it is safe to do so!
April showers bring May flowers… and supercharged hail storms! In fact, it wouldn’t be springtime in Oklahoma without the threat of severe storms packing baseball size hail. While most Oklahomans are used to keeping an eye on the weather, it’s important to remember that storms without large hail can also damage your home significantly.
While you may be thinking, “if my roof has damage, I’d totally know about it”, think again! Here are just a few reasons why taking five minutes to complete a storm assessment is critical:
- Catch small problems EARLY. One missing roof shingle can quickly go from a simple roof repair to a full-blown roof replacement.
- Some insurance companies require “preventative maintenance”. This includes looking for potential problems to mitigate repairs. A storm assessment is an easy way to fulfill this obligation.
- Keep your home happy and safe. All parts of your home’s exterior work together and keep the weather outside, where it belongs. If one part of the system fails, it’s likely to cause other problems for your home.
So what’s the best (and easiest) way to complete a storm assessment for your home? We’ve got you covered! Our expert tips are below.
Storm Assessment Step 1: Check Your Home’s Perimeter
Only go outside to complete a storm assessment once it is safe to do so! Check each side from the bottom up as you walk around your home. Here’s how:
- Look for signs of damage to your home’s siding. These include dents/dings, but the damage could also occur due to wind-driven debris.
- Check the gutters. Common signs of damage include being pulled loose from high winds, dents/dings, or clogged from debris.
- Look at your roof. Obvious signs of damage include missing shingles but you should look for curling, buckled, or broken shingles that would cause future problems.
If you see any signs of storm damage, call for a professional inspection ASAP! Not sure if you need a roof inspection after a hail or wind storm? Call us for a free inspection!
Storm Assessment Step 2: Check For Debris
Strong winds can rearrange your backyard and send furniture and toys flying.
During your storm assessment, make sure to check your entire front and back yard for fallen debris, especially from trees and landscaping. In some cases, winds can break branches that will hang and eventually fall down. Check for warning signs early to prevent broken trees from falling on your home.
Storm Assessment Step 3: Get Inspection & Document Info
If you see signs of storm damage, like missing shingles or detached gutters, call for a professional inspection ASAP.
If you do not see signs of storm damage, you will still want to document the date/time of your storm assessment. Some homeowners insurance companies require documentation/proof that regular preventative maintenance is done. Documenting the date/time and any findings after a major storm is one way to cover all bases.
In addition, documenting the date/time of your storm assessment can prevent insurance claim problems associated with a specific date of loss. Insurance carriers may sometimes attribute damage to an older/newer storm date. This can cause complications with coverage. Having your home inspected and assessed after every major storm (with notes!) will prevent this from happening.
About Triple Diamond Construction
As the best Oklahoma City roofing contractor, you can count on us to solve roof problems. If you need a roof inspection, give us a call at 405-895-9972 or schedule online. We also work hard to educate homeowners on how to prevent costly repairs.
