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Homes can get a lot of damage from severe weather. This is especially true in states like Illinois and Wisconsin where heavy rain, strong winds, and hailstorms are common. Some types of damage, like broken windows or trees that have fallen, are easy to see right away. But other types of damage can be hard to find for weeks or even months. Finding secret storm damage early on can help stop bigger problems like leaks, mold growth, or building collapse. Checking important parts of your home after a storm can help you fix problems before they get too bad and cost a lot to fix.
Roof Damage That’s Not Always Easy to Spot
During a storm, your roof is one of the most fragile parts of your home because it takes the most damage. Major damage, like holes or missing panels, is easy to spot. But damage that is hidden on the roof can be less obvious. Shingles can be damaged but still stand up after high winds have loosened them. In the same way, hail can remove the protective granules from tiles, which can make them last less long and keep water out less well.
There may be damage to your roof if you find shingle pieces in your gutters or around your house. People often don’t notice these small granules, but they are a clear sign that your roof has been damaged. Over time, small leaks can also happen, especially if heavy rain has worn down parts of the roof. Even if you can’t see these leaks right away, they can cause water stains and mold to grow inside your home over time.
If you think your roof might have storm damage that you can’t see, you should talk to professionals who can find and fix these problems. For people who live in Illinois and Wisconsin, calling a professional is a necessary step. Working with an experienced storm restoration company in Illinois and Wisconsin can help uncover hidden damage and provide the necessary repairs to keep your home safe and secure.
Water Stains and Leaks Inside Your Home
Some of the most obvious signs of storm damage that you might not have seen are water spots and leaks. After a storm, you should look at your ceilings, walls, and even the area around your windows for any damage or signs of water. A small water stain might not seem like a big deal, but it’s usually a sign of a bigger problem that needs to be fixed right away, like a roof leak or wall damage.
Leaks can also appear slowly, especially if water is seeping in through tiny cracks in the roof or walls. Over time, this can lead to mold growth, rotting wood, or weakened structural components. Sometimes, homes don’t notice these problems until they get worse and cost more to fix.
Another way to find early signs of water damage is to check your attic. Check for wet spots, water stains, or insulation that feels like it’s getting wet. These signs show that water is entering from the roof, which can weaken your home’s structure if you don’t fix it.
Damage to Windows and Doors
Storms often break windows and doors, but the damage isn’t always easy to see. Hail, strong winds, and flying objects can break window panes, damage seals, or make frames come free. Even small holes or damage to the seal can let water or drafts into your home, making it harder to keep the temperature stable inside.
Check all the windows and doors carefully after a storm. Check to see if the frames are warped, cracked, or the glass is foggy. Damage of any size can cause problems in the long run, such as water getting into buildings or energy loss through drafts. Taking care of these problems right away can help keep your home comfortable and keep it from getting worse.
Siding and Exterior Damage
Another part of your home that can get secret damage from storms is the siding. Even though it might look fine at first glance, a closer look will usually show cracks, dents, or warping caused by hail, wind, or other objects. Damaged flooring doesn’t just make your house look bad; it can also let water into the walls, which can cause mold, rot, and long-term structural problems.
Check to see if any siding pieces are loose or have come loose. Strong winds can pull them away from the house. Water can damage your home through even small cracks, especially when it rains a lot. After a storm, walk around your house and carefully look at the walls. Check for places where the paint is coming off, the panels look like they are warped, or there are strange water spots.
Damage can sometimes be small and hidden below the surface. This is why it’s a good idea to have pros check your siding for problems that you might not see. If you fix panel damage early on, you can avoid having to make much bigger and more expensive repairs later on.
Issues with Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are essential for channeling water away from your home. Damage to them during a storm can lead to problems like water building up near the foundation or getting into the walls of your house.
Gutters can sag, crack, or come off the roof when it rains or hails a lot. Also, things like leaves and branches can get stuck in drains and stop water from flowing properly. A lot of the time, water spilling over the sides during a storm means that the gutters are broken. In the long run, this could cause cracks in the foundation or cause the dirt around your house to wash away.
Check your gutters for dents, clogs, or parts that are sagging to find damage that isn’t obvious. Make sure that the downspouts are sending water away from the foundation of your house. If water is pooling in strange places, there may be a problem that needs to be fixed right away. Gutters that work properly are important for protecting both the roof and the foundation of your home.
Check for Foundation and Structural Issues
It may not seem like storm damage is connected to foundation problems, but bad weather can hide problems that make your home less stable. Soil erosion around your base can happen when it rains a lot and doesn’t drain well. This can lead to foundation cracks or uneven building settlement over time.
Cracks in the outside walls, gaps around windows and doors, or uneven floors inside could all be signs that your home’s foundation isn’t sitting right. If water pools near the base, it’s likely that the gutters or drainage systems aren’t working right. Taking care of these issues quickly will help keep your home safe and stop further damage to the structure.
Hidden storm damage can lead to big problems if it isn’t fixed, like water leaks, building damage, mold growth, and energy loss. When you carefully look over your roof, siding, windows, and base, you can find small signs of damage before they get worse. If you think there is damage, calling professionals can give you peace of mind and help get your house back to its best. You can protect your property and your home’s safety by acting now.
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