24/7 Emergency Service
After the Storm: Checking your property for damage
7/6/2018 (Permalink)
Franklin County, MO Storm Damage
Storms can bring heavy rains, strong winds and destructive hail. Your home protects you from the elements, so be sure to check it for damage afterward. It’s a good idea to check your property even if you do not suspect damage. This can help prevent more problems later on and determine if you need to make an insurance claim.
Roof
Your roof can be very vulnerable, because so many things can damage it. High winds, downed tree branches or a hailstorm, look for these indicators of damage:
- Holes in the roof
- Split Seams
- Missing Shingles
- Leaks in roof or ceiling
Exteriors
Siding, stucco and brick are all durable but they can suffer storm damage. Check for:
- Cracking, chipping or ding and dents on siding. Check in different lighting because you may see something you missed.
- Holes in stucco
- Damaged brick and tuck pointing.
- Detached or damaged trim, gutters, etc.
General Tips
- Severe storms often will knock down power lines. If this happens on your property, rope off 30 feet in each direction around the line and do not touch it. Call 911 and the power company immediately.
- Be sure to do a full check of your property, including things such as your air-conditioning unit, fences, vent caps, etc. And don’t forget to check your vehicles if they were not garaged at the time of the storm.
- Check your crawl space and basement. You need to be sure no water is getting in, and, if it is, make sure it is removed quickly via a sump pump or underground drainage system.
- Take pictures of all damage from different angles. Finally, knowing the details of your homeowners coverage, your limits and your deductibles can help you during the insurance claims process. It’s a great idea to examine your policy and know what your homeowners insurance covers now, before the storm.
Restoration
SERVPRO of Franklin County responds immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies. We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your Franklin County, MO home or business back to pre-storm condition.