Wind damage to a house can be a serious issue. It’s important to take prompt action to address it before other issues arise and create more problems for you and your family.
There are four primary steps to take after your house experiences wind damage: assess the damage, file an insurance claim, repair the damages, and prevent future damage. Here’s what you need to know about each essential step.
Assess the Damage
The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. If the damage is minor, such as a few shingles blown off the roof or a broken window, you may be able to handle the repairs yourself. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a damaged roof or structural damage to the house, it’s important to call in a professional.
What does wind damage look like?
Wind damage can manifest in various ways, depending on the severity of the wind and the type of structure being affected. Some common signs of wind damage include:
- Missing or damaged shingles on a roof
- Cracked or broken tiles on a roof
- Damaged or missing flashing on a roof
- Bent or damaged gutters
- Cracked or broken windows
- Doors that are difficult to open or close
- Damage to siding, such as dents or missing sections
- Damage to fence or deck
- Damage to trees and branches
- Damage to power lines, which can lead to power outages
- Structural damage to the house, such as a cracked foundation or a shift in the framing
It’s important to note that some wind damage may not be immediately visible, and an inspection by a professional may be necessary to identify all damage.
File an Insurance Claim
Once you’ve assessed the damage, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to report the loss. Be sure to take photos of the damage before making any repairs, as you will need these for your insurance claim. Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the extent of coverage.
Why is filing an insurance claim important?
Filing an insurance claim is important because it allows you to recover the costs of repairs and other expenses related to wind damage to your house. Without filing an insurance claim, you would be responsible for paying for these costs out of your pocket.
When you file an insurance claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the extent of coverage. The adjuster will examine the damage and consider the cost of repairs and any other expenses you may have incurred, such as temporary housing if you cannot live in your home while repairs are being made.
Once the adjuster has determined the extent of coverage, your insurance company will provide you with the funds necessary to make repairs and cover other expenses. These funds can help alleviate the financial burden of dealing with wind damage, allowing you to focus on restoring your home.
It is also important to file a claim because it will document the damage for future reference in case you need to file another claim. Additionally, this will help the insurance company track the claims and natural occurrences, improve their services, and offer better coverage for future clients.
Repair the Damage
If the damage is minor, you may be able to make the repairs yourself. Going back to our previous example, if shingles have been blown off the roof, you can replace them with new ones. If a window is broken, you can replace it with a new one. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a damaged roof or structural damage to the house, it’s important to call in a professional so that you don’t take on a project beyond your skills.
When hiring a contractor to make repairs, it’s important to choose one that is licensed and insured. Ask for references and check them, and ensure the contractor has experience in making repairs similar to those you need. Get a written estimate of the work to be done and the cost.
Prevent Future Damage
In addition to repairing the damage, it’s also important to take steps to prevent wind damage in the future. There are several steps you can take to prevent future wind damage to your house:
- Regularly inspect and maintain your roof: check for missing or damaged shingles and ensure the flashing is securely in place. Have a professional inspect your roof annually or more frequently if you live in an area prone to high winds.
- Trim trees and shrubs: remove dead or damaged branches that could fall on your house during a windstorm, and trim back any trees or shrubs that are close to your home.
- Secure loose items: make sure to secure loose items such as lawn furniture, trash cans, and toys that could be blown around during a windstorm and cause damage.
- Install storm shutters: storm shutters can protect windows from flying debris and prevent broken windows, allowing wind and water into your home.
- Reinforce the structure of your home: make sure your home’s structure is strong enough to withstand high winds — this may include reinforcing walls and roofs and installing structural supports.
- Invest in wind-resistant building materials: Consider using impact-resistant windows and doors and other wind-resistant building materials such as reinforced siding or steel framing.
- Consider getting a wind-mitigation inspection: A wind-mitigation inspector can evaluate your home and recommend upgrades to make it more wind-resistant.
Taking these steps can help protect your home from future wind damage and minimize the risk of damage and potential injuries to you and your family. Keep in mind that even if you take all the preventive measures, you can’t entirely avoid natural occurrences, so it’s also important to have the right insurance coverage and know how to file a claim if damage happens.
Black Diamond Restoration Can Help
Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration is ready and able to serve all your restoration needs, no matter the time of day. Based out of Murray, Utah, we proudly serve Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.
Our licensed and certified professionals will help you through the restoration process, restoring your home or commercial space to exacting standards. With over twenty years of Disaster Restoration experience, we do it all, and we do it right! Contact us today at (801) 512-4194.
