The wind has finally died down. The rain has stopped. But looking around your property, you feel a sinking feeling in your stomach. The sight of storm damage can be completely overwhelming.
You’re likely feeling stressed, confused, and unsure of what to do first. We get it, and this guide is here to walk you through the aftermath of the storm damage, one step at a time. This isn’t just about cleaning up. It’s about protecting your home, your finances, and your peace of mind. Let’s get you on the path to recovery.
First Steps After the Storm: Safety Above All Else
Before you even think about the mess, you have to think about your safety. A storm leaves behind more than just broken branches. It can create hidden dangers that you need to be aware of. First, look for any downed power lines. Treat every single fallen wire as if it were live and sparking. Keep yourself, your family, and your pets far away from them, and never attempt to move them yourself.
You should report downed lines to your local utility company immediately. Also, be aware of standing water that could be hiding a live wire. In the chaos, sometimes a vehicle submerged in floodwaters can also be an electrical hazard. Next, if you smell gas or suspect a leak, get out of the house right away. Do not use your phone or turn any lights on or off, as a spark could ignite the gas. Go to a safe distance and call the gas company from there.
Be very careful when you walk around your property. There could be exposed nails, broken glass, and other sharp objects hidden in the debris. After the most severe weekend storms, first responders are often busy, and reports show that ‘elderly occupants’ rescued from damaged homes is a top priority.
Listen for community updates on the radio or through town hall news alerts. If the structure of your home seems weak, is making strange noises, or has visible foundation cracks, it’s best to stay outside. Wait until a professional can check its safety, because your well-being is more important than any object inside.
Documenting the Storm Damage: Your Most Important Task
It might feel strange to pull out your phone and take pictures right now. But documenting every bit of the damage is one of the most critical things you can do. This proof is exactly what your insurance company needs to process your claim correctly.
Take more photos and videos than you think you need. You cannot have too much documentation, as this record is your primary tool for getting a fair settlement. For example, after recent events, many residents assess aftermath with comprehensive photo logs.
Start from a distance to show the overall impact on your property. Then, move in closer for detailed shots of specific damage. This approach provides context and then specifics for your insurance adjuster.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Dollars
You’ll want to get photos from every possible angle. If your roof is damaged, take pictures of the shingles on the ground and the exposed area on the roof. Capture images of broken windows, damaged siding, and dented gutters from close up and far away.
Don’t forget the inside of your home, especially after severe weather. If water got in, photograph the stained ceilings, warped floors, and wet walls. Also, make sure to document any damaged personal belongings, like furniture, electronics, or appliances. A video walkthrough where you narrate what you are seeing can be very powerful evidence. Pan slowly across rooms and zoom in on specific issues, explaining the damage as you record. It will help you remember details later.
Keep a Detailed Log
Along with your photos, start a written log in a notebook or on your computer. After a chaotic storm, it can be hard to remember everything. Write down the date and time of the storm and a description of all the damage you find. This log is also where you should keep track of all your expenses. If you have to buy a tarp to cover your roof or stay in a hotel because your house is unsafe, keep those receipts. According to FEMA guidelines, these temporary repairs and living expenses may be covered by your insurance policy.
A well-organized log makes the claims process much smoother. Consider creating a simple table to track everything efficiently. Having a perfect record demonstrates your diligence as a homeowner. Keep track of dates and the areas damaged, along with descriptions and photos for your reference.
Understanding Different Types of Storm Damage
Storms can harm your home in several ways. Knowing the different types of damage can help you inspect your property more thoroughly. It also helps you speak the same language as your insurance adjuster and contractor. Damage isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, serious problems can be hard to spot at first glance. So, a careful inspection is necessary to find everything that needs to be fixed for your property damage claim.
Wind Damage
High winds are a common cause of serious wind damage. They can lift and curl shingles, creating creases that break the shingle’s seal and leave your roof exposed. This can quickly lead to leaks and water damage inside your home.
Wind can also tear off siding, especially vinyl siding, or cause entire sections to detach. The powerful gusts can damage gutters, break windows with flying debris, or even damage your home’s structural frame. Checking the latest weathercast or a weather app can provide data on wind speeds to include in your report. One of the biggest threats from wind is falling trees and branches. A large tree limb can puncture a roof or crush a section of your house, causing major structural problems.
Water and Flood Damage
Where there’s a storm, there’s often water damage. This can come from above, like a roof leak, or from the ground up, like a flood. These two types are often treated differently by insurance companies, so it’s important to know the source of the water. Look for signs of water intrusion, which include stains on ceilings and walls, peeling paint, or damp carpets. If water sits for too long, it can lead to mold, which poses a health risk and can impact things like a community food project if supplies get contaminated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold can begin to grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours.
Check your basement or crawl space for signs of flooding or seepage. Flooding can also compromise your home’s foundation and electrical system. Differentiating between a sewer backup and overland flooding is critical for your insurance claim.
Hail Damage
Hail can be incredibly destructive, but the hail damage can be tricky to see. On a roof, hail hits may look like small, dark bruises or dimples on your shingles. These impacts knock off the protective granules, which shortens the life of your roof and makes it vulnerable to leaks.
Siding can get cracked, chipped, or dented, and window screens can be torn. After a hailstorm, walk around your home and look closely at all exterior surfaces. Don’t forget to check soft metal surfaces like air conditioning units, gutters, and downspouts for dents.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
It’s time to give your insurance agent a call after you’re safe and have recorded the damage. To begin the insurance claim procedure, get in touch with them as soon as you can. You can get on their schedule for an inspection as soon as you give them a call. Provide them with your policy number and a brief account of the incident. They will assign an insurance adjuster to your property and walk you through the next steps. While some businesses have made their mobile experience better with apps, it’s usually best to call an agent directly.
It is the adjuster’s responsibility to evaluate the damage and calculate the cost of repairs. When the adjuster comes by, be present so you can list all of the damage you discovered. Provide a copy of your log and pictures to back up your assertion. Knowing what your policy covers, including your deductible, is crucial. You should ask your agent specific questions regarding your coverage or go over your policy documents. You have the right to have your house returned to its pre-loss state, so resist the urge to accept a hasty, low settlement.
Making Temporary Repairs to Prevent More Damage
You are potentially required by your insurance policy to take reasonable precautions against further damage. One of the most important steps in the cleanup process is mitigating the damage. These are temporary fixes to keep your house safe until more permanent work can be done. For instance, you should board up a window that has been broken by a tree limb to keep animals and rain out. You can use a sturdy tarp to cover the damaged area of your roof if it is leaking. These short-term solutions are essential.
Don’t forget to save all of your receipts for the supplies you purchase for these short-term fixes. However, you shouldn’t make any significant, long-term repairs. Await an agreement once the property has been inspected by the insurance adjuster. If you do extensive work before then, it may complicate your claim and prevent you from receiving reimbursement. Limit yourself to short-term, easy fixes that improve safety and keep things from getting worse. At times, a high school gym or game center serves as a central location for the distribution of supplies, such as tarps, during major disasters.
Finding and Hiring a Reputable Contractor
After a big storm, your neighborhood may be flooded with contractors. Sadly, not all of them are honest. These “storm chasers” often move from town to town, following bad weather and preying on distressed homeowners. They might do poor work, use cheap materials, or even take your money and disappear. Choosing the right contractor for your home repair is essential for getting the job done correctly. You want someone with a good reputation for contractor vetting who is local, experienced, and trustworthy. When it comes to restoring your roof after a storm, trusted roofing repair experts in Johns Creek help keep your home safe and fully protected.
How to Vet a Contractor
It’s always a good idea to get at least three written estimates from different contractors. This helps you compare prices and services. A good estimate should be detailed, listing all the work to be done and the materials to be used.
- Ask for local references and actually call them. A reputable contractor will be happy to share the names of past clients in your area.
- Check their license and insurance. They must have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you from liability.
You may feel rushed and want to get back to normal life in a comfortable home. But this is not a decision to be hurried. A vague contract that doesn’t detail the scope of work, materials, timeline, and payment schedule is a sign of trouble. Be cautious of anyone who offers to pay your deductible, as this is a form of insurance fraud. It may seem tempting, but it can put you in legal trouble.
The Repair and Restoration Process
Once you choose a contractor and your insurance claim is approved, the real repair work can begin. This process can take time, so it’s good to be patient. Stay in communication with both your contractor and your insurance company. Your contractor will handle getting the right permits and scheduling the work. You should get regular updates on the progress, either daily or weekly. A good contractor will keep you informed without you having to chase them down for information.
When the work is finished, do a final walkthrough with your contractor to make sure everything has been done to your satisfaction. Do not make the final payment until you are completely happy with the repairs and all work specified in the contract is complete. It is the final step toward getting your life back to normal. Homeowners who need experienced roofing contractors in Dawsonville, GA, can count on local professionals from Award Roofing to handle repairs with care and efficiency.
Your Path to Storm Damage Restoration
Facing storm damage is tough, but you can get through it with a clear plan. By following these steps, you can take control of a chaotic situation. Focus on safety first, then thoroughly document all the storm damage before contacting your insurance company.
Taking your time to find a quality contractor is one of the best things you can do to make sure your home is properly repaired. While the cleanup feels like an enormous task, having a methodical approach makes a huge difference. You can have a good day again soon.
It’s a challenging journey, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the path to recovery much clearer. You have the strength and the information to rebuild. You will find your own resolution in time. For reliable storm damage repairs and expert roofing services, contact Award Roofing today and restore your peace of mind.