Storm Damage Checklist: What to Look For After Every Storm

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When the Storm Subsides Your Definitive
Checklist for Post-Storm Evaluation
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When the skies clear after a storm, the path
forward might seem uncertain. However, armed with
the right knowledge, you can transform chaos into
clarity. This guide unlocks the secrets of
thorough post-storm property inspections. When
the storm subsides, the importance of a
professional storm damage inspection
company becomes evident. By meticulously
investigating roofs for damage, evaluating
foundations for cracks, and scrutinizing
everything in between, you can navigate the
aftermath with confidence. Learn how to take
charge of your propertys post-storm recovery and
fortify it against future weather challenges.

1. Comprehensive Examination of Foundations for
   Cracks and Basement Wall Damage

Conducting a thorough inspection of your homes
foundation and basement walls after a storm is
crucial to identify any potential structural
issues that may have arisen.
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Here is an extensive guide on how to carry out
this inspection
Visual Inspection Begin by visually examining
the exterior of your foundation for any visible
cracks, gaps, or shifts in the structure. Pay
attention to areas where the foundation meets the
ground, corners, and joints.
Check Basement Walls Move indoors and inspect
the interior walls of your basement. Look for any
signs of cracks, water stains, or dampness on the
walls. These can be indicators of water
infiltration and potential structural damage.
Measurement of Cracks If you notice cracks in
the foundation or basement walls, measure their
width and length. This information can help
determine the severity of the damage. Cracks
wider than a certain threshold might require
immediate attention.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Cracks Different types
of cracks can indicate different issues. Vertical
cracks are often less concerning, while
horizontal cracks could be a sign of more
significant structural problems. Diagonal cracks
might indicate foundation settling.
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Assessment of Water Intrusion Check for any
signs of water seepage, dampness, or mould growth
along the foundation walls or basement floor.
Storms can lead to increased moisture levels,
which could exacerbate existing issues.

1. Thorough Inspection of Pools and Hot Tubs After a
   Storm

After a storm, conducting a meticulous inspection
of pools and hot tubs is essential to ensure
safety, water quality, and structural integrity.
Storms can introduce debris, contaminants, and
potential damage that compromise the
functionality and safety of these aquatic
amenities.
Debris Removal Begin by removing any debris that
might have been blown into the pool or hot tub
during the storm. Leaves, branches, and other
foreign objects can clog filters, damage pumps,
and affect water circulation.
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Water Quality Assessment Test the water quality
using appropriate testing kits. Storms can
introduce pollutants and alter the waters
chemical balance, leading to imbalances that
affect pH levels, sanitation, and overall
clarity. Adjust chemicals as necessary to restore
water quality and ensure a safe and inviting
environment for users.
Structural Examination Thoroughly inspect the
pools or hot tubs structure for signs of
damage. Look for cracks, chipped tiles, or
shifted components that could indicate structural
compromise. Pay close attention to areas like the
pools shell, coping, and decking, as well as the
hot tubs interior and surrounding areas.
Equipment Inspection Check the equipment
associated with pools and hot tubs, such as
pumps, filters, heaters, and electrical
connections. Storms can cause damage to these
systems, affecting their functionality and
potentially leading to unsafe conditions. If any
equipment is compromised, its advisable to seek
professional assistance for repairs or
replacements.
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1. Thorough Inspection of Electrical Systems for
   Post-Storm Safety

Following a storm, conducting a meticulous
inspection of your electrical systems is critical
to ensure safety and identify potential hazards.
Storms can cause various electrical problems that
might not be immediately evident but can pose
significant risks if left unaddressed.
Exposed or Damaged Wires Carefully examine all
visible wiring, both indoors and outdoors. Look
for any wires that might have been exposed or
damaged due to debris, falling branches, or other
storm-related factors. Exposed wires can pose
shock and fire hazards and should be addressed
promptly.
Tripped Breakers Check your circuit breaker
panel for any tripped breakers. A power surge
during a storm can overload circuits and cause
breakers to trip, cutting off power to specific
areas of your home. Reset any tripped breakers,
but if they trip again, its a sign of an
underlying issue that requires professional
attention.
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Power Issues Test all power outlets, switches,
and appliances in your home. If you notice any
outlets or switches not functioning or appliances
not receiving power, it could indicate damage to
wiring or circuits. Additionally, flickering
lights or intermittent power loss are signs of
electrical problems that need investigation.

1. Thorough Roof Inspection for Missing, Damaged
   Shingles, Tiles, and Potential Leaks

After a storm, conducting a detailed inspection
of your roof is essential to identify any damage
that may have occurred. Heres a comprehensive
guide on how to perform this inspection
Missing or Damaged Shingles/Tiles Begin by
visually examining your roofs surface for any
missing or damaged shingles or tiles. High winds,
hail, or flying debris during the storm could
have dislodged or broken roofing materials. Pay
close attention to irregular patterns or gaps on
the roofs surface.
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Inspect for Cracks and Breaks Check for signs of
cracks, breaks, or curling at the edges of
shingles or tiles. If not repaired, even slight
damage to the roof might jeopardize its integrity
and cause leaks.
Leak points Find any probable spots where leaks
could form by looking for prospective leak
points. Pay attention to places like valleys
(where two roof slopes converge), the vicinity of
chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof
penetrations. Focus on areas such as valleys
(where two roof slopes meet), around chimneys,
vents, skylights, and roof penetrations. Water
can easily infiltrate these vulnerable spots if
the flashing or seals are compromised.

1. Ensuring Chimney and Vent Safety Inspection for
   Structural Damage and Dislodged Components

Chimneys and vents play a crucial role in
maintaining the safety and functionality of your
homes heating and ventilation systems.
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After a storm, its vital to thoroughly inspect
these components to ensure they havent suffered
any damage or dislodgment. Heres a comprehensive
guide on how to approach this inspection
Visual Examination Begin by visually inspecting
the chimney and vents from the ground. Look for
any obvious signs of damage, such as cracks,
chips, or visible shifts in the structure. Pay
attention to areas where the chimney meets the
roof and where vents connect to the exterior
walls.
Check for Dislodged Components Examine the area
around the chimney and vents for any dislodged
components, such as loose bricks or siding. High
winds and flying debris during the storm can
cause materials to become dislodged, potentially
compromising the integrity of the system.
Assess Flashing and Seals Inspect the flashing
around the base of the chimney and where vents
penetrate the roof. Ensure that the flashing is
intact and properly sealed. Damaged flashing can
lead to water infiltration and subsequent
structural issues.
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Final Words
In the aftermath of a storm, the critical role of
professional expertise in storm damage
inspection becomes undeniable. With the welfare
of your property and the safety of its occupants
at stake, relying on a specialised storm damage
inspection service proves invaluable. Throughout
this guide, weve highlighted the significance of
post-storm property assessments conducted by
seasoned professionals. From scrutinizing roofs
to evaluating foundations, their meticulous
inspections ensure a thorough understanding of
the extent of damage, even in areas not
immediately visible. By entrusting your property
to a dedicated storm damage inspection service,
you invest in precision, accuracy, and
comprehensive evaluations that guide effective
repairs. Your propertys strength and your peace
of mind are at the heart of this endeavour, and
deciding to engage in such services is a
strategic and protective one.
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CONTACT US
Address - 3500 Virginia Beach Blvd
Suite 608 Va
beach 23452
Mail Us - info_at_structuralengineers.com
Call Us - 1-757-244-6639
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