Heavy rains, strong winds, and hail can wreak havoc on your property, necessitating significant reconstruction. Knowing the signs of storm damage and how to check your property after a storm can protect your home and lower expenses.
Johnson Exteriors, LLC, are your trusted insurance adjusters in Minneapolis, MN. Contact us today to learn more about how we can inspect your home after storm damage and go over your insurance policies.
Keep reading to learn more about storm damage and insurance claims.
What Causes Storm Damage?
In extreme weather conditions, such as rain, ice, and strong winds, your property may experience severe damage. The elements can affect your roof, driveway, siding, and other areas, potentially requiring expensive repairs or replacements. It is also common for storm damage to lead to insurance claims and dealing with insurance companies.
Wind
Strong winds can take down nearby branches and cause debris to fall on your house. Depending on the force, the impact of the wreckage can shatter windows and loosen shingles.
Hail
Hail can cause a lot of trauma to your property. It can dent and crush your roof and siding, potentially creating more serious problems such as leaks.
Rain
Heavy rain can impact the outside and inside of your home, especially if your roof and gutters aren’t in good shape. Excess water can cause flood damage and interior wall and floor problems. It can even disrupt your plumbing.
When it comes to storm damage and insurance claims, it is best to receive professional advice to get the most out of your insurance policy. Contact Johnson Exteriors, LLC for more information on the insurance claim process.
10 Common Signs of Storm Damage
1. Missing or Damaged Shingles
Strong winds and heavy rains can easily cause issues with your shingles by shifting them or blowing them off your roof entirely. Older roofs are more susceptible to storm damage due to having worn-down materials.
It is vital to replace missing or damaged shingles once you notice they are gone. Shingles cover your roof sheathing and insulation, stopping water from seeping into your home.
2. Cracked or Broken Tiles
Hail, wind, or fallen branches can easily crack or break your roofing tiles. If you see any debris on your roof, there is a strong possibility that your tiles are broken or cracked. Depending on the size of the crack or the location of broken tiles on your roof, these issues can be hard to detect without professional help.
The cost of tile roof replacement and repairs is typically higher than for other roofing materials. You should check your homeowner’s policy to determine if your insurance covers roof repairs or replacements.
3. Leaking Roof
Storms can cause tiles and shingles to shift, compromising your roof’s structural integrity. If your roof begins to leak after high winds or rain, it has most likely endured some damage. It is essential to fix your roof quickly, as the water can cause your interior walls to become wet.
4. Clogged Gutters
Even weak storms can bring down leaves and twigs that make their way into your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause numerous issues, all of which can degrade your property.
If your gutters become clogged with debris, water cannot drain properly. The water will then go under your roof’s shingles and the sides of your home, causing damage. The water can also impair the fascia and soffit.
5. Dents on Siding
The siding of your home protects your house’s interior, including its insulation. Depending on your siding’s material, hail can cause minor dents or holes.
The signs your siding has storm damage include:
- Dents
- Chips
- Missing sections
While these dents or chips may seem unimportant, they can lead to more significant issues. Eventually, the dents can loosen your siding or cause tiny cracks that let in water.
6. Missing Paint on Exterior Walls
Missing or chipped paint on your exterior walls indicates that your home has suffered storm damage. Typically, high winds or hail cause this type of damage.
7. Dents or Chips on Window Frames
Storms can dent or chip your window frames, indicating that other areas of your property have most likely experienced damage.
After a storm, you should also examine your:
- Pipe boots
- Vents
- Chimney
- Garage door
8. Cracked Windows
Hail storms and high winds have enough strength to shatter your windows. Fallen trees or branches on your windows can easily break the glass and burden your roof.
If you experience shattered or cracked windows, your roof and other areas of your property likely have storm damage.
9. Dented Metal Flashing
Dented metal flashing helps stop water leaks by redirecting rainwater away from your roof. However, the impact from hail or storm debris has enough force to dent your roof’s metal flashing, which can cause leaks.
10. Noticeable Growth of Mildew or Mold
Visible growth of mildew or mold on your interior walls indicates that your property has experienced storm damage. Water leaking into the walls from storm damage creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew to thrive.
Mold can be highly hazardous to your family’s health, especially if anyone suffers from respiratory issues. It can also spread quickly, compromising your home’s infrastructure before long. If mold damage is severe enough, look into your additional living expenses policy to see if you have coverage for mold remediation.
Contact the Professionals at Johnson Exteriors, LLC
If you believe your property has storm damage, call the professionals at Johnson Exteriors, LLC. We have a team of experienced experts ready to help with all your storm damage and insurance claims in Minneapolis, MN.
Our team has extensive knowledge of homeowners policies, on-site inspections, and complete evaluations. We provide quick yet comprehensive services for 100% customer satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about our general contracting work and insurance expertise.
Johnson Exteriors, LLC employs storm damage insurance claim experts in Minneapolis, MN. Call us today at (763) 355-4458 to request your free property inspection.
