Whatever name the latest storm gets, one thing is certain: it can wreak havoc, especially on your property. Worse, you may not notice the damage until a wet patch on your ceilings or shards of glass litter your landscape. That’s why a post-storm check is so important, catching any difficulties early on. Here are some common signs to look for…

A Damaged Roof
A watertight roof is easy to take for granted until it cracks, so check it first after a storm. Your insurer will ask for clear images of the damage and notes on what work has to be done if you locate any missing tiles. Check for loose tiles after a storm to replace them before the next one.
Next, call your insurer’s helpdesk or find a reliable Roof Repairs service as soon as possible — if additional damage occurs after a storm, you may be held liable. Even if only one or two roof tiles are missing, it’s worth repairing soon. Water intrusion into your property can lead to rotted roof timbers and damaged adjacent tiles.
Broken Glass
Wind-blown debris might imply shattered windows or glass in garden sheds, cold frames, and greenhouses. Like roofs, it’s advisable to get a broken window repaired or replaced as quickly as possible after consulting your insurer. If the same window is always broken in a storm, consider installing shutters to protect the glass.
Replacing garden glass protects the contents of a shed and may be done by yourself if you know what you’re doing and have the correct protective gear. If not, a glazer can assist you to remove the leftover glass and replacing it. If there are any fragments left in the frame, remove them with safety goggles and strong gloves, recycle the glass, and replace it with a new pane manufactured to fit. Alternatively, shatterproof clear acrylic can be used to replace the broken glass.
Damage To Your Garden
Garden furniture, outdoor heaters, bird tables, and plant pots should all be checked before a storm. Due to the nature of severe weather, wheelie bins, plants, and ladders may end up in somebody else’s garden. Check your outbuildings, such as your shed or garages, for signs of damage. Make sure the roof is intact, the windows aren’t broken, and the gutters are secure, as leaks can cause rot and decay.
Storms can also uproot trees and branches, so take photos of any damage to your home or outbuildings. If they’ve dropped harmlessly on your property, all you need to do is pick them up. Find a tree surgeon to tidy up the timber, remove damaged branches, and grind the stump if necessary. They can also tell if an uprooted tree can be replanted.
Gates And Fences
Gates, fences, and hedges are frequently damaged by storms. Your insurance won’t cover them, so you can either find a qualified tradesperson to fix or replace them or do it yourself.
Flooding
Get your gas and electricity checked if heavy rain has entered your home after a storm. A Gas Safe registered engineer can check your pipes for leaks, while an electrician may inspect your wiring and appliances before re-connecting them.
Consider replacing any damaged or worn-out furnishings or appliances. Keep these because insurance may ask to view them. Leaving damp carpets in place helps prevent shrinkage. Resist the urge to renovate right immediately — your home may need weeks to completely dry out. Purchase airbrick coverings and flood boards for doorways to prevent rainwater from entering your property again.
These are all important areas to get checked out after any storm. If you don’t you could run the risk of a more expensive repair.
Featured image: Photo by Anandu Vinod on Unsplash
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