Once the storm is over and the wind dies down, homeowners hope for the best and take comfort in knowing their home survived the worst. However, there may still be hidden damage from the storm that can cost homeowners more than what they may have saved. Here’s what they should inspect to identify issues that can be fixed now to avoid spending thousands later.
Check for Shingles and Flashing Integrity
The roof serves as your primary defense against the weather; however, it tends to be one of the least-maintained areas since damage is not easily visible from ground level. High winds may simply lift the shingles and break their sealant strip.
When the bond is severed, the waterproofing ability of the shingle is compromised even when it appears smooth. That’s especially true in areas like Wisconsin, where the weather can be violent at times, leading to hail that can bruise and cause granules to be knocked off by ultraviolet light.
Without paying attention to the tiny cracks, moisture may enter the roof deck and be absorbed by the plywood, creating an ideal breeding ground for attic mold. As the damage may not be visible to the average homeowner, it’s vital to turn to an experienced Madison roofing company for professional evaluation. Whether they do it using drones or up on a ladder, it can help identify issues before they become expensive to fix.
Going local matters, since these professionals know the freeze-thaw cycle and ensure that even the smallest shingle movements are noted long before any snowfall causes minor leaks to turn into major ceiling collapses.
Assess Foundation Drainage and Perimeter Grading
The roof catches the rainwater, but the foundation has to deal with the water from runoff. A torrential downpour may deposit many inches of rainwater within a relatively short period and exceed drainage capacity.
As you inspect it after the storm, take note of the condition of the soil near the foundation. If you see puddles forming and some areas that look like soil erosion, know that the grading hasn’t done its job properly.
If you ignore drainage problems, you will notice hydrostatic pressure exerted on the basement walls. As soon as there is excess moisture in the soil, pressure will increase on the concrete walls, eventually resulting in horizontal cracks.
In addition, if moisture contacts the wall and floor joints, water will enter the basement and the cove joint. If you notice that your sump pump keeps working hours after the rainfall is over, it’s essential to call a basement waterproofing contractor to rule out any serious issues.
Evaluate Exterior Siding and Window Seals
The walls of your house, both vertically and horizontally, can be affected equally by the storm. Wind-driven rain may hit forcefully behind siding panels, especially if the panels have already been loosened by high winds.
It’s vital to inspect the exterior of your house, along with vinyl or aluminum siding for cracks or any small chip marks. You should also check for signs of moisture absorption if you have wood or fiber-cement siding.
Similarly, you should not ignore your windows, especially their seals. The pressure changes during a storm can damage the seals on double-pane windows. That’s most probably the case in your house if you see fogging or condensation between the panes of glass right after a storm. In case there are signs of damage, call in an expert to fix them as soon as possible.
Endnote
It’s important to be vigilant after a weather event. Take it as another step to maintain your property ownership, as it helps ensure that minor weather-related worries don’t turn into more substantial and expensive issues. Be sure to connect with an expert if you’re not sure about how to proceed with your property inspection after a storm.
