Checking for water damage can be quick, simple, and painless but it’s important to be meticulous. After a tropical storm or hurricane homeowners need to assess possible water damage as quickly as possible. The sooner storm damage has been identified, the sooner it can be repaired, and once it’s repaired you won’t have to worry about long-term structural damage or potential mold issues. If you follow a few easy steps recommended by experts, you’ll be on your way to peace of mind!
Where to Start Your Home Damage Check
Now that Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ida has passed and you’ve assessed your family’s safety, the first place to check for water damage is outside. The exterior of your home can give you the best information as to where water could be leaking. Be sure to walk around the outside of your home and make note of any signs of hurricane damage, including obvious issues and subtle changes to the appearance of your home.
External Signs of Water Damage:
- Missing or broken roof shingles
- Debris on roof
- Damage to the chimney flashing
- Holes/Dents in exterior walls
- Window frame damage
- Door frame damage
- Gutter and downspout clogs or cracks
After you’ve assessed your external storm damage, move to indoor areas. Check all of your walls, floors, and ceilings in every room of your house. Be sure to also check inside closets and cabinets.
Internal Signs of Water Damage:
- Mildew or musty smells
- Water rings on walls and ceilings
- Soft spots on walls or in flooring
- Cracks or warping in hardwood flooring
- Discoloration on flooring
Don’t Forget to Check These Important Areas
Certain locations are often overlooked as we don’t use these spaces as often as the rest of our homes. It’s important to check all important structures in and around your home for storm damage because they can affect the overall safety and longevity of your property.
Make sure you check these spaces for flooding and signs of storm-caused water damage:
- Attic
- Basement
- Crawl Space
- Outbuildings
- Fencing
In your attic, be sure to check around your chimney and any roof vents. You can also check to be sure your insulation is still dry if you have access to it. In the basement, walk around and make sure there are no signs of a leak or flooding.
Why You Should Check For Water Damage ASAP
Tropical Storm Ida caused over 50 billion dollars of flood damage and other storm damage, making it one of the costliest hurricanes of all time. The first step to having your water damage repaired is to assess the damage and figure out what needs to be fixed. Storm damage repairs should be done as soon as possible. Unattended water damage can cause more and more damage over time. Have your water damage restoration completed as soon as possible to avoid developing future issues.
Not only can mold form if parts of your home stay wet, but your home could become less structurally sound. Water damage can corrode your pipes and electrical wiring. It can also destroy flooring, drywall, and ceilings. Even just cosmetic damage can be a big deal as it can severely lower the value of your home when you need to sell it.
If you want to be on the safe side, you could always hire a professional to check your home for possible weather damage. If you need any help assessing your home for damage or fixing damage caused by Ida, let us help you find a professional.