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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

SERVPRO: Signs of damage that homeowners must watch out for after a storm

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO blog highlights the signs of storm damage in homes that owners must watch out for and address immediately.

Signs of storm damage

A storm can disrupt lives and businesses and leave a long-lasting impact. One of the grave impacts of a storm is the damage caused to homes. SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County, a storm damage restoration company, shares some signs of storm damage in homes to watch out for.

After a storm passes, it’s important to give the entire exterior of a house a thorough inspection and look for the following signs of storm damage.

1. Roof Damage

Strong winds can throw around debris that can potentially damage the shingles on roofs. Spotting and repairing damaged shingles immediately is crucial to prevent further problems such as leaks, mold, and drafts.

The various signs of roof damage are:

  • Missing/broken asphalt shingles
  • Cracked or broken tile, slate, or concrete shingles
  • Pieces of the roof in the gutters
  • Leaks in the roof/ceiling
  • Dents in the gutters, boots, chimneys, vents, or flashing on the roof

When the force is high, the shingles can tear off, especially on older roofs. Without shingles, the roof sheathing or insulation underneath is exposed, increasing the risk of water seepage underneath the healthy shingles. Safely tarping it in case of rain can protect the house until more permanent restoration takes place. 

2. Exterior Damage

A storm accompanied by very high winds, hail, or heavy rain can seriously damage a home exterior. Owners must inspect the exteriors for the following signs of damage: 

  • Dents/holes in the siding
  • Torn/missing sections of siding
  • Exposed flashing or sheathing
  • Chipped siding
  • Discoloration/chipped paint

3. Window Damage

Most windows have reinforced glass to help protect the windows from storm damage. In a scenario where the windows do not have this extra layer of protection, there are high chances of window damage. Left unaddressed, damaged windows can expose a home to drafts, debris, and pests.

The usual signs of window damage are:

  • Damaged window frames
  • Broken glass
  • Shattered windows
  • Damage to storm pane or shutter

4. Visible Shingle Granule Loss

Dark spots on an asphalt shingle roof that look like holes or dents are a sign of granule loss. The small granules that cover the tar shingles can slough off from hail, making those spots susceptible to leaks. Homeowners can also inspect gutters and downspouts for granules. This happens when granules break off due to hail and flow into the gutters.

5. Water Damage

Water stains on ceilings are a sign of an obvious leak. After a storm, damaged shingles, ice dams, or even clogged gutters can lead to water stains. However, spotting these leaks is not always so easy. Homeowners can check for dark spots in the attic, which is a good indication of water damage

6. Large Debris on the Roof

Large sticks or branches on a roof or near the siding are a common sight after a storm. However, this debris makes it difficult to assess the damage and generally requires a close-up inspection to detect the extent of the damage. However, this must be done with care and completely avoided if it seems dangerous. 

7. Dents in the Siding

Siding made of aluminum or other soft materials can easily be dented by hailstones. Fixing this is quite easy but leaving it unaddressed for too long can put a house at the risk of water damage. This is because dents can loosen a siding or create small gaps or cracks in it that allow for water to seep in.  

8. Clogged or Broken Gutters

Clogged, broken, or overflowing gutters will drive the pooling water to go down the side of the house and under the shingles. This can cause damage to the fascia (the boards along the roof edge) and soffit (the underside of an eave).

Why SERVPRO?

  • SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County is constantly updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, or surrounding areas can quickly access the services. 
  • With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.
  • The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and a*lso acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For storm damage restoration services, contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County at (817) 595-2506 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com

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