Thunderstorms, straight-line winds associated with thunderstorms, hail storms, and tornados can rip siding from your home, tear shingles from your roof, and give your roof a real beating with tree limbs / flying debris. Follow the steps below to check your home for damage after a storm has passed:
- Look for storm damage from the ground. Check for missing shingles and shingles that may have made their way to your porch / lawn during the storm. Also check for missing fascia and any pieces that may have been displaced from around your chimney. Check conditions along the outer edges of your roof and angles where the roof meets the wall along. In addition check around plumbing vent and other vents on the roof. Make sure all the siding on your house is properly intact and none is missing or hanging off.
- Look in your attic for water damage and leaks. Also check to see if any water stains appear on your ceilings or walls after a storm.
- If there was hail check for hail damage on siding and the roof. Usually hail damage looks like dimples on siding / shingles.
- If a tree, play set, etc should fall into or on top of your home you should stay out of your home until a professional can assess the situation and determine if any structural damage occurred.
If you suspect damage has occurred to your roof stay safe and contact a professional restoration company or roofer to check for damage on your roof. If you have damage contact your insurance company, they will help you assess whether or not you should file a claim. You should keep all receipts if you buy materials to temporarily patch a leak in your roof or board up a window. You may be able to be reimbursed for these repairs if you file a claim.