Nasty Storm? Where to Check Your Kerhonkson Home for Damage

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Check your home carefully and thoroughly for any damage after a storm. You don't want to find this leak in your basement!

Severe weather can be a scary thing for your family, especially is there are high wind gusts and severe temperatures involved. Cleaning up around your home from it can be a pain as rain, wind, snow and debris can cause issues, but unfortunately, this damage may not always be evident and can cause even more problems the longer it remains unnoticed.

Not every storm is going to cause damage to your home but, as we all know living in Ulster County, there have been significant storms pass through here no matter the season. Knowing what to look for is key when determining if your home has sustained any storm-related damage, so below we will go over some top indicators that severe weather may have created an issue.

What to Look for After a Storm to Check for Damage

Make Sure Your Roof Still Looks Intact

Wind, hail and debris can all cause damage to your home’s roof, which is one of the most common places that storm damage will manifest. While it’s vital top understand ahead of time what your homeowner’s insurance will cover in the event of storm damage, it’s equally as important to catch it early to prevent leaks and water damage from developing. Once the storm has passed, go outside and do a good visual inspection of your roof from the ground, being sure to look for things like missing shingles, debris on the roof or pockmarks from where hail has struck, as these might indicate a bigger problem. If you’ve been feeling drafts or had previous roof damage, make it a point to thoroughly inspect those areas too.

Check for Standing Water Around Your Home

If water is not able to properly drain away from around your home, it can seep in and cause significant water damage to your foundation, basement or crawlspace. This includes clogged gutters in the fall, ice damming in the winter and improperly installed or pitched drain lines (you’ll notice problems with the heavy summer rains). Check for any standing water around the home shortly after the rain subsides to determine if this may be a concern.

Look for Ceiling Discoloration

Ceiling discoloration is a big indicator that something is wrong, especially if it occurs after a heavy rain shower. Ceiling discoloration is a common sign that there is water leaking from somewhere up above, so it may mean that a storm has led to a leak developing. This is extra common on areas of the ceiling that are upstairs or right below an attic, as this is where leaks are commonly located. However, we do want to point out that there could be an issue with a burst pipe or a leaking water line that can also cause issues, not just from a storm.

Be vigilant about guarding your biggest asset from damage and make sure to handle any type of damage quickly. By doing so, you can avoid far costlier issues like mold damage and structural problems.

If you have damage to your home due to a storm or any other reason, do not hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of Kingston/New Paltz. We’re the local leaders in damage restoration and can reach us 24/7.