Learn how you can check for damage to your home after getting hit with spring showers.
For many states across the country, springs marks the beginning of rainy season. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain, then it’s important that you know how to assess your home following a rainstorm. Here are some tips to help you check for damage to your home after it weathers a literal storm.
Safety First
It’s important to remember that you should not attempt to inspect your home during a storm. Even if you can see visible signs of water damage, you should not venture out and put yourself at risk; your safety should always be your first priority. If you do see signs of damage during a storm, then do what you can to minimize the damage from inside the safety of your home. If things start to get really bad, then evacuating your family is more important than staying and attempting home repairs.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Once a storm has passed, you should begin your home inspection on your roof. You should first check to ensure that your gutters and downspout are all intact and clear of any debris. This will prevent your gutters from becoming clogged during the next spring rainstorm. Then, you should inspect your roof and look for missing or damaged shingles and any signs of water damage. Not all damages will be immediately obvious, so it’s important to conduct multiple roof inspections at different times of day. Sometimes the changing light conditions will reveal an issue that you could not previously see. If you do notice signs of damage, then call in a professional to make the necessary repairs before the next storm hits.
Check Your Property
Heavy rains don’t just affect your home, they can also affect your property, that’s why it’s important to check your front and back yard following a storm. The first thing you should do is check your storm drains to ensure that they are clear of debris and are effectively draining water away from your home. Maintaining the storm drains on your property can help prevent flooding and water damage to your home’s foundation. Additionally, you should also inspect your property for signs of mudslide and tilting trees. If you fear that a tree is going to fall, then you might have to call in a professional to chop down the tree before it causes property damage.
Try these suggestions to help you check for damage to your home following a rainstorm. Remember, one of the best ways to be prepared for damage to your property is by having the right homeowners insurance to meet your needs. To find the best policies for you, contact the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency. Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers including: Kemper, MetLife, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance.