Storm Damage and How it Affects You

Your home is always at risk from the elements of mother nature. While natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, etc. are all nationally known risks, it is important to be knowledgeable about how less severe storms can still pose a major risk to you and your home. 

Variations of Storm Damage 

Hurricane and Gale Force Winds 

Both of these forms of harsh winds may lead to visible damage to your home, specifically to the shingles on your roof. Gale-force winds, categorized between 39-54mph, and hurricane-force winds, 74mph+, are both suggested to be dangerous to your home by meteorologists. If there are already exposed areas or weakened shingles, single bursts of these winds can tear them off of your roof. Even if fully intact, in these high wind storms, shingles can become compromised, leaving the integrity of your home’s waterproofing at risk. It is important to be as knowledgeable about the different levels of winds that accompany everyday storms, as you will be better prepared for them, and how to handle any possibly damage if necessary. 

Hailstorms 

Hailstorms are not always something many take into account when considering threats to your home’s exterior. It is important to be wary of your geographical location, to know the chances of encountering a hail storm. If the hail is large enough, the shingles on your roof may become weakened from granule loss. The granules in your shingles help keep them durable over time, but hail can knock them out, leaving them more susceptible to rain and UV sunlight damage. Additionally, if the hailstorm is severe enough, it may pose a threat to ruin the aesthetic appeal of your dream home. 

Debris Wreckage 

For more severe storms with higher winds and debris wreckage is something to seriously consider as a threat to you and your home. Small branches are always seen in the morning after even more mild storms. However, in situations with hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, and other varying severe storms, large limbs are known to detach from trees and wreck the exterior of homes. Patio furniture or anything else outside is susceptible to being swept up in the air and damaging the siding, windows, or roof of your home. Even if not noticeable, larger debris can lead to moisture intrusion which will cause numerous headaches and potentially unsafe living environments for those in your home.  

Ponding Water 

An underlying factor and threat from all of these forms of storm damage is ponding water. Whether it be from exposed shingles, cracked siding or windows, or hail denting your exterior, they can all leave your home at risk of this hazardous condition. Otherwise known as standing water, it poses numerous threats to your home. Leaks in your ceiling and paint corrosion are the most typical accompanying disturbances. However, certain health risks have been seen as a result of standing water, and even potential collapses in homes have been seen. Knowing all of these threats various storms pose to your home, it should be known that Liberty is here to help with any and all restoration measures to make sure your home is in as pristine shape as when you bought it. 

How Liberty Can Help You 

The first thing you should do following any of these various storms, is do a 360 visual inspection of your home. While it may be difficult to notice everything, there may be some alarming damage to your home that could need immediate attention. Additionally, look for any missing or damaged patio appliances or furniture, as they can be filed for as a claim through your insurance as well. It is also not a bad idea to do an interior inspection of your home if you notice some damage to the outside, especially on your roof. In that instance, you should make sure there are no building leaks in your ceiling, especially in the attic area. One important rule to remember is to always write down and photograph any and all observations when doing your own personal inspection of your home. These can be important factors when dealing with your insurance providers. If you have gone through the previous provisions and believe there is serious damage, trust Liberty and give us a call and we will get out to you in a timely manner with your free inspection!