Storms can be terrifying for anyone, especially those living in areas prone to extreme weather conditions. While staying safe during a storm is the top priority, dealing with the aftermath can be just as difficult. The destruction left behind by fallen trees and broken windows can be devastating.

Once the storm has finally passed, you’ll need to turn your mind to storm restoration and the process of bringing your home back to the condition it once was. No matter what caused the damage, you might be facing extensive repairs and a lengthy process. This article seeks to help you understand everything you’ll need to work through including initial assessments and taking the first steps toward restoration.

Assessing The Storm Damage To Your Home

Taking the time to properly assess the storm damage to your home is a tough, but essential, step in the restoration process. Before any repairs can get underway, you’ll need to determine just what the extent of the damage is, and gain an understanding of what needs to be repaired. Once you’ve got this clear, it’ll become easier to plan a strategy and make informed decisions when creating a priority list.

Roofing

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable areas of your home when it comes to storm damage.  Heavy rain, high winds, hail, and falling debris can severely damage your roof, jeopardizing its capacity to protect your home. It is critical to assess the damage to your roof during a storm to protect the safety and integrity of your home.

Begin by inspecting your roof from the ground, and look for visible signs of damage such as missing or broken shingles, dents in metal roofing, or cracks in tiles. If you're struggling to see, use binoculars. Only if you're absolutely sure it is safe, climb onto your roof so you're able to examine the flashing, vents, and chimneys for any signs of damage.

After you've assessed the damage, you should contact a professional roofing company to make the necessary repairs. Ignoring the damage can lead to more serious issues later on, such as water leaks and mold growth. A professional roofing contractor can accurately assess the damage, recommend necessary repairs, and provide a cost estimate for the repairs.

Plumbing

Your plumbing is also vulnerable to storm damage, with a great deal of it on the exterior of the property. Failing to address damage to your plumbing can create huge problems for you in the future, especially if it leads to a flood.

Start by inspecting the exterior of your property. Look out for any visible and noticeable signs of damage to the plumbing. This would include broken or detached pipes or damage to your water main. If there plumbing is clearly damaged, turn off your supply immediately to stop further water flooding and causing issues.

Once you’ve finished outside, it’s time to inspect the interior. Carefully look for signs of water damage, discoloration, or stains, and whether there is any water pooling, dripping, or leaking. You should also inspect any interior piping, faucets, and fixtures.

Electrical

Electrical damage from storms needs immediate attention. The very first step is to turn off your mains supply. This will remove any chance that you’ll be electrocuted or face fires caused by electrical faults or wiring damage. Once that is done inspect your home for signs of damage such as darkening, smoke, or unusual odors, in your home's electrical fixtures. That means inspecting your outlets, switches, appliances, and light fixtures. 

You should also inspect your panel for visible damage, including whether or not water has gotten near it. Check the circuit breakers or fuses and see if they’re still in place. If any have tripped or blown, that’s an indicator something has gone wrong within your home.

The First Steps To Deal With Storm Damage

It might seem overwhelming, but taking the first steps to address and repair the damage will help prevent further damage in the future, and it’ll likely reduce your repair costs. If you’ve noticed damage to your roof, your plumbing, your electrics, or anything within your home, it’s time to begin the restoration process.

Document It

This might feel like the last time you’d want to start taking pictures, but documenting everything is not just necessary, it could save you thousands of dollars in expenses. Take photos and videos of all storm-damaged areas of your home, including your roof, plumbing, electrical system, and any personal belongings that have been damaged. 

This documentation is essential when filing an insurance claim because it provides visual evidence of the damage and the scope of the repairs required. Make sure to keep your documentation in a secure location, such as a cloud-based storage platform, so that it can be accessed even if your physical documentation is lost or damaged. 

When the time comes, being able to provide evidence will massively help to ensure that you receive the compensation you require to make the necessary repairs.

Contact Insurance

Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Your insurance company will most likely send an adjuster to your home to assess the damage and determine how much coverage you are entitled to. 

To support your claim, make sure to provide your adjuster with all of the documentation you've gathered, including the photos and videos of the damage that you took. Keep in mind that it may take some time for your claim to be processed and approved, so be patient and check in with them on a regular basis to see how your claim is progressing. By contacting your insurance company as soon as possible, you can get the assistance you need to restore your home while minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Find Trusted Professionals

Storm damage can be complicated and dangerous to repair, so it's essential that you collaborate with professionals who have the necessary expertise and experience. Look for reputable storm damage restoration contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other professionals in your area. 

Before hiring someone to work on your home, make sure to check their credentials, licenses, and insurance policies. You can also request references and read online reviews from previous clients to ensure that the professionals you hire have a proven track record of producing high-quality work. Working with reputable professionals ensures that your home is in good hands and that the restoration process is completed safely and efficiently.

Consider Making Temporary Repairs

Sometimes you have to act fast. Let’s say your roof has been damaged and your home is exposed to the elements. That might mean you need to secure a tarp over the damaged area. Temporary repairs aren’t going to solve your long-term issues but they could stop the issues from worsening. Make sure that you document these repairs and your expenses, and share them with your insurance company as they might be covered.

Look To The Long Term

Once the storm has passed, and you’ve dealt with the immediate effects, it’s time to look to the future. Your home may have suffered severe storm damage and it might require major restoration work. Spend time working with your insurance company and your contractors to formulate a strategy and plan that aims to get your home back to what it was. This plan might also include further protection to minimize the impact of future storms.

Key Takeaways

Nobody wants to be in a situation where they’re dealing with storm restoration, but if you find yourself in that situation it’s worth doing the process correctly. By following this guide you’ll be armed with the right strategy to help you restore your home.

• If in doubt, call the professionals, remember your safety is paramount.
• Never mess with electricity, always turn it off following storm damage.
• Document everything that you can, and be sure to store it securely.