From massive hurricanes to hail storms, homes are certainly not immune to storm damage here in New England. While we deal with snow storms such as the winter 2014-2015 Snowmaggedon, our region also has a history of hurricanes. Are you wondering what to do if your home has storm damage?
Exterior storm damage repair may involve the replacement of windows, doors, roofing, and siding. You may also be covered under warranty.
With the following advice, you’ll be well on your way to getting exterior storm damage repair or replacements for your home.
What to do if Your Home has Storm Damage: Take a Quick Assessment
After a major storm, your exterior just went through the wringer. You’ll want to look closely at your roof, vinyl siding, and windows. This quick checklist will show you what to look for in terms of storm damage:
Roof Storm Damage Checklist
- Missing shingles which blew away in the wind.
- Partially lifted, torn or curled shingles.
- Exposed roof deck.
- Large trees and branches damaging the roof.
- Dents in gutters and the roof which can happen during hail storms.
- Leaks and water spots inside the attic and ceilings.
- Leaking water around light fixtures on the ceiling.
Roof damage is a serious consideration, since this is a primary defense against the elements for your home. A damaged roof can result in moldy attics, leaky ceilings with interior stains, and even high energy bills.
One way to prevent future worry with storm damage is by opting for roofing with an unlimited wind speed warranty. This is available through our GAF roofing system! No matter what type of wind speed comes our way, your shingles are guaranteed to stay in place.
Siding Storm Damage Checklist
- Loose siding panels.
- Siding panels that are missing or fell off.
- Dented siding, which can result from hail storms.
- Water damage on wood siding from heavy rains and flooding
- Wood siding that starts to rot or grow mold and mildew.
Why should you worry about storm damage for your siding? Exposing your exterior to the elements can cause even further damage from moisture. Eventually, you can experience a serious case of wood rot that can cost thousands for storm damage repair.
One way to keep your home protected from moisture damage is with a house wrap such as Block-It. This product is wrapped around your house before the vinyl siding panels are installed. The purpose is to keep moisture from damaging your home, ranging from rain to snow.
Block-It is a breathable barrier that allows both air and water vapor to pass through, reducing the likelihood of moisture damage. This is why it’s so important to have it installed as a prevention measure to storms! Even during high winds and harsh storms, it’s puncture-resistant and withstands the elements.
Window Storm Damage Checklist
Lastly, your windows may endure damage when a big storm comes through. How do you know if your windows were damaged by a storm? Look for some of the following signs:
- Windows can leak during heavy rainfalls, so look for brown and yellow stains that indicate water damage
- Shattered, dented or broken frames. This can happen from fallen trees making impact with your home.
- Broken glass or torn screens.
- Heavily damaged wood frames, including rot or crumbling at the touch of your hand.
- Fogged glass that won’t wipe away, indicating seal failure.
What to do if Your Home Has Storm Damage: Avoid Storm Chasers
Storm chasers can come out of the woodwork after a storm comes through our region. But here’s the truth–storm chasers are typically bad news. That’s because they can be inexperienced, uninsured, and out to make a quick buck. This all goes against our Contractors Standards Guide, which we take very seriously here at Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Make sure that you are working with a reputable by looking for the following:
- Google review ratings (Coastal has a proud 4.7-star rating on Google, and growing!)
- News feature articles and contributions from reputable sources
- Bonded and insured company
- Physical brick-and-morter location (not operating from the back of a pickup truck)
- Community involvement and donations
- Awards and accolades such as INC. 5000 or SBA Small Business Person of the Year
- Certifications like James Hardie® Elite Preferred Contractor
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Exterior Storm Damage Repair?
Unfortunately, we aren’t experts on insurance policies. Our advice is to review your homeowner’s insurance policy regularly to ensure it meets your needs. Speak with your insurance agent to understand your coverage limits and consider additional policies if necessary.
Ensuring that your house insurance adequately covers storm damage can save you from significant financial strain and provide
peace of mind during stormy seasons. For more detailed information on your specific policy, always consult with your insurance provider.
Take Action on Storm Damage Repair Now!
If your New England home has storm damage, don’t wait to address it. Immediate exterior storm damage repair will prevent further issues and costly repairs down the line.
Whether it’s replacing damaged shingles, fixing dented siding, or replacing windows, Coastal Windows & Exteriors is here to help. Our experienced team provides top-quality replacements, protecting your home from future storms. Don’t fall for storm chasers—trust a reputable, insured company with a proven track record.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us restore your home to its best condition. Act now to secure your home and peace of mind!
