5 Ways Storms Can Damage Your Home

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Help protect your home from water damage during a storm with these helpful tips from your local water damage experts.

If you live in an area that is prone to heavy rainstorms, hurricanes, or flooding, you may already be familiar with the risk to your home of flooding and damage. If you are unsure of how to remedy these issues, we've got a list of top tips for you. 

1. Wind Damage

Flying debris can be a major hazard, capable of injuring or killing anyone caught outside. It can also smash windows or crack roof tiles, therefore potentially allowing water leakage into your home. When warned of an incoming storm, make sure that all outdoor items are secured to prevent them from becoming missiles. 

2. Water Damage

Heavy rain will find its way through any cracks and result in damage to your home. If you find the water coming into your basement from the ground, it is likely you have a crack in your foundation. Faulty guttering and downpipes can lead to damp interior walls and leakage, windowsills may also be a source of leaks if not properly sealed.

3. Roof Damage

As we touched on above, your roof can be damaged in a storm, either by the force of wind pulling away tiles or from tiles becoming cracked after being hit by debris. In particularly windy conditions, heavy rain can also be blown in through roof vents. However the water may enter your property, it can cause a large amount of damage and effect multiple levels of your home as the water seeps downwards. 

4. Displaced Pests

Anyone and anything experiencing a flood will seek safer ground. As such, heavy rainfall can drive pests like snakes, rodents, spiders, and bugs, to leave their flooded homes and enter yours. Sealing and checking ground-level access routes for small animals by sealing holes and placing fine grills over vents will minimize the impact of pests.

5. Tree damage

Heavy rains can cause trees to fall and strike your home, resulting in structural damage or personal injury. We recommend working with your neighbors to ensure any at-risk trees are removed, or reduced, to ensure they are safe when a storm hits your area. 

Contact SERVPRO today to learn how our team can help you recover from unexpected storm damage quickly!