How to Handle Weather Damage to Your Home Exterior
Sometimes even the best structures will undergo some damage over time. In the case of homes, it’s not unheard of to see damage due to weather or heavy storm. Weather-related damage to a home exterior can come in a wide variety of forms.
As you might imagine, weather-related exterior damage can be a lot to deal with. While it’s not necessarily quite as dire as damage to a home’s interior, it’s still quite a burden to handle.
If you’re curious as to how to handle weather damage to your home, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be going over everything you need to know. Keep reading to get the inside scoop!
Contents
Assess the Damage
The first step in handling weather damage to your home exterior is to assess the extent of the damage. You need to determine whether the damage is structural or cosmetic and whether it requires immediate attention or can wait.
Start by inspecting your home’s exterior, paying particular attention to the roof, gutters, siding, windows, and doors. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, missing shingles, or water stains. If you notice any signs of damage, take photos of the affected areas and make notes of what you find.
If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage, consider hiring a professional home inspector or contractor to assess the damage and provide you with a detailed report.
Repair or Replace Damaged Areas
Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time to address it. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to take immediate action to prevent further damage or make temporary repairs until you can arrange for more permanent solutions.
Here are some common types of weather damage and how to address them:
Roof Damage
Roof damage is one of the most common types of weather damage. Ignoring roof damage can lead to more severe problems, such as water damage, mold growth, and structural damage. However, if the damage is significant or widespread, you should hire a professional roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs or replace your roof.
Siding Damage
House siding damage can occur due to wind, hail, or flying debris. Address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and maintain your home’s curb appeal.
Window Damage
Window damage can occur due to hail, flying debris, or high winds. If you notice cracks, chips, or broken panes of glass, you need to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and to maintain your home’s energy efficiency.
If the damage is minor, you may be able to replace the damaged glass yourself. However, if the damage is severe or widespread, Renewal by Andersen home windows, for example, can make the necessary repairs or replace your windows.
Gutter Damage
Gutter damage can occur due to high winds, falling debris, or clogs. If you notice that your gutters are sagging, pulling away from the house, or leaking, you need to address the issue immediately to prevent water damage to your home’s foundation and basement.
Prevent Future Damage
Preventing future damage is just as important as repairing existing damage. Here are some measures you can take to prevent future damage:
Trim Overhanging Trees
Overhanging trees can cause significant damage to your home during a storm. Therefore, it is important to trim any overhanging branches that can potentially damage your roof or walls.
Before any trimming can begin, it is important to inspect the tree to determine the health of the tree and the condition of the branches, and if there is any risk associated with the tree or trimming process. Taking preventative steps in trimming overhanging branches near your home can help to prevent potential weather damage to your house exterior.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up, leading to water damage. Cleaning your gutters and downspouts should be done regularly and after major storms. If you notice that your gutters and downspouts are clogged, you should remove any debris, such as leaves or sticks, and monitor the area for any leakage.
Check for any damage to the gutter and downspouts, including holes and rust, which should be repaired immediately. Make sure to use the correct material for the job–for example, aluminum is ideal for gutters and galvanized steel is best for downspouts.
Inspect Your Roof
Start by looking for any broken, buckled, or missing shingles, as they are the source of leaks and water damage. Be sure to also pay attention to any dark spots or streaks, as they could be a sign of algae growth. If you can safely access the roof, use binoculars to take a closer look.
Check the flashing, which is the metal that keeps water away from your chimneys, vents, and skylights. Following these steps can help you identify any potential issues and help ensure that your house exterior is secure and protected.
Keep Your Insurance Updated
Before any exterior weather damage occurs, evaluate the insurance coverage that you have and make sure that it is sufficient. Examine the terms in your policy documentation carefully to determine which damages are specifically covered to ensure that you are covered.
Additionally, be sure to maintain good records of all repairs and exterior maintenance. When weather damage does occur, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. This will ensure that you can receive the benefits of your coverage and that the process of filing a claim is as efficient as possible.
Protect Your Home Exterior from Weather Damage Starts Today
Handling a damaged home due to weather can be a challenging task. However, with the right tools, knowledge, and protective gear, you can repair and prevent further damage to your property. Always prioritize safety when handling any exterior damage and consider consulting a professional if you are unsure of the extent of the damage.
By taking proactive measures, you can keep your home safe and secure, regardless of the weather.
Looking for other informative reads? Take a peek at our blog for more.