With the recent storms and tornadoes that have taken way this March, homeowners are probably racking their brain over how much work and money they will be having to invest in their home’s from damage. It can be a grueling process to get back to normal after storms hit, restoring lives back to normal. If you have found damage to your home, feel free to give Barrier Waterproofing Systems a call at (615) 257-1060 | (931) 536-1168
It is important to carefully inspect your homes after a tornado or high winds for signs of hidden damage. Just because your home hasn’t fallen to pieces during a high winds event does not mean it didn’t dramatic foundation effects from the storm. Unseen damage can get worse and cause more severe and costly secondary damage from high winds if left undetected or un-repaired. We’re going to give you some checks and balances for hidden damage and steps you can take to recover from a storm.
Checking For Hidden Damage
- After a tornado or a high wind event, always look for wall cracks in spots you did no have cracks before. This might be something you come across on accident and just happen to notice but take it upon yourself to seek out all cracks. Cracks that are a quarter of an inch or more are signs that your walls have shifted and settles. Windows and doors are going to the most telling because they are the weakest spots in your structure. Check closely in rooms that aren’t normally visited.
- Take a visit outside to check for more cracks or signs of lifting in your foundation. Physically visible, new cracks in the home’s foundation will be noticeable. Peek back inside and check out the levelness of your floors. Any changes in the level of your floor will indicate a lift in the home’s foundation.
- Water leakage is another indicator that damage has occurred and that your plumbing needs to be looked at. Inspect closely around your water heater and water softener for leakage that has not occurred before. Be sure to flush all of your toilets, turn on all water faucets and check plumbing connections for leaks.
- Damage to your roof will be unseen until it rained a few times. In the days or weeks after a tornado or high wind event, pay attention to your ceiling for yellowing, browning, water stains or water streaks that come down the wall from the ceiling.
- Inspect your gutters and storm drainage system. Unexpected leaking may be caused be a blockage or breakage in the system.
Utilizing these tips will help you prevent further long term damage which could result in more expensive, costly repairs on your home. If you are in middle TN or Nashville, and need help estimating damage done to your home from tornadoes or strong wings, give Barrier Waterproofing Systems a call at (615) 257-1060 or (931) 536-1168.
Steps for Storm Recovery
- Be incredibly careful inside your home and make sure your home is structurally safe before getting comfortable inside your home. Don’t take any chances if you are told to stay out because debris may be hazardous and your home may be on verge of a collapse.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, and keep all of your receipts.
- Call your insurance company and see what they will cover in order to make temporary repairs. Small losses may be settles quickly, whereas extensive claims will of course take longer.
- Notify creditors if bills have been lost or you’re unable to pay so your credit doesn’t take a hit.
- If your home is unlivable or has been destroyed, ask your utility company to stop billing. .
- In order to speed up your claims process, inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjustor arrives.
- You may qualify for tax breaks due to your losses, work with a qualified tax expert to help you find out.
Hopefully we have been able to give you some peace of mind to take care of your home in a hard time, or just given you something to read to prepare for a high winds storm, or tornado season. If you are in need of resolving damage caused by a tornado in the Nashville area, give Barrier Waterproofing Systems a call at (615) 257-1060 | (931) 536-1168
