12 Dec Where Do You Need to Check for Water Damage After a Major Storm?
If your area has just experienced a significant storm, you need to check your home for water damage. There are several places where you should look so that you can take action right away if you find problems.
Basement/Bottom Floor
The first place that you need to look is the basement or bottom floor. Look carefully at your walls to make sure that they have not developed cracks. Check the drains, if present, to ensure that they moved the water away without getting clogged. Go outside and look at your foundation. While it is reasonable to see a few hairline cracks, if you see stair-step cracks in your foundation, then it is time to call in a professional to get them fixed. Finally, be sure there is no water left standing along your foundation.
Roof
You also need to check your roof for water damage. Start by going up in your attic to make sure that the trusses and decking are dry. After most of the storm has passed is an excellent time to check your attic because you want to spot damage to your roof’s structure as quickly as possible. Then, get on a ladder and check along the gutters to see if water has seeped under your roofing materials. If you have a shingle roof, then look on the ground for granules as this is evidence that you have roof problems. Finally, check for loose shingles and make sure that all flashing is securely attached. You might think just to leave it to the repairmen to check as they repair your roof, but that’s not always the best idea. The kinds of repairs they will do will vary based on the kind of roof, meaning they may not catch the water damage.
HVAC System
You also need to check your HVAC system after a storm. It does not matter if the unit is on the ground or roof; it’s still worth checking it to prevent costly repairs later. Start by making sure that water has drained away from the unit. Turn off the unit’s power, and open it up. Be sure that the compressor is operating properly and that the fan blades can turn smoothly. Then, inspect your furnace inside to make sure that there is no water standing in it. If you have a whole-house dehumidifier, set it to operate at its highest level to help remove moisture from the air so that mold does not start forming. If you live in an area that floods often, it might also be a good idea to get a home warranty that covers your HVAC system so that you can replace the HVAC system easily if it breaks.
Storms can cause a lot of damage, but if you deal with the damage quickly, you can prevent it from becoming a lot worse. Checking these areas for water damage after a storm helps you spot trouble so that you can act quickly.
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