Southern California may be known for its sunshine, but it’s not immune to powerful wind and storm events. High winds, driving rain, and hail can cause significant damage to the exterior of your home, leading to leaks and other structural problems. After a major storm passes, it’s crucial for homeowners to conduct a safe but thorough inspection of their property to identify any potential damage. Catching problems early can prevent a small issue, like a few missing shingles, from turning into a major and expensive interior water damage problem down the road.
Safety First: Assess from the Ground
Your safety is the top priority. Never climb onto a wet or potentially damaged roof. The vast majority of a storm damage assessment can and should be done safely from the ground level. Use binoculars for a closer look at your roof and high areas.
Your Storm Damage Inspection Checklist
Walk the perimeter of your property and carefully look for these common signs of damage:
- The Roof: Your roof is the most vulnerable part of your home during a storm.
- Missing or Damaged Shingles: Look for any shingles that are missing, cracked, or have curled or lifted edges. Pay close attention to the hips and ridges of the roof, where shingles are most susceptible to wind damage.
- Debris on the Roof: Large branches or other debris on your roof could be hiding damage underneath.
- Damage to Flashing and Vents: Check the metal flashing around your chimney, skylights, and vents for any signs of lifting or damage. Look to see if any of your roof vents are dented or cracked.
- Granule Loss: Look in your gutters and on the ground near your downspouts for an accumulation of asphalt granules. Significant granule loss is a sign that your shingles are aging and have been damaged by the storm, reducing their ability to protect your home.
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The Gutters and Downspouts:
- Look for any sections of your gutters that are dented, bent, or pulling away from the house. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under your roof shingles, leading to leaks.
- The Siding and Windows:
- Siding: Carefully inspect your home’s siding for any cracks, chips, or holes, especially on the sides of the house that faced the brunt of the storm. Look for any pieces of siding that have become loose or detached.
- Windows: Check your windows for any cracked or broken glass. Also, inspect the window frames and the caulking around them for any signs of damage that could allow water to seep in.
- Your Yard and Property:
- Fallen Trees and Branches: Inspect all the trees on your property for broken or weakened limbs that could fall in a future storm. A large fallen branch can cause significant structural damage if it hits your roof.
- Fences and Outbuildings: Check your fences for any broken posts or panels and inspect sheds or other outbuildings for damage.
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises, documenting any damage with photos or videos immediately after a storm is a crucial step for your insurance claim.
Your San Diego Wind and Storm Damage Restoration Experts
If your inspection reveals any significant damage, especially to your roof, it’s important to act quickly to prevent water from entering your home. A professional restoration company can perform emergency tarping and repairs to protect your property from further damage. For homeowners in San Diego who have experienced storm damage, the team at Cutting Edge Restoration is ready to help. We specialize in responding to and repairing wind and storm damage. Contact us for a professional damage assessment.
