We all have our own reasons for insisting why wind is the worst.
Perhaps it’s the way your heart stops beating for a fraction of a second when a huge gust of wind rocks your car as you drive down the highway. Perhaps it’s the disappointment when your perfect hair is blown into a messy tangle as you scurry between high rises on your way to work. Or, perhaps it’s the feeling of embarrassment as your neighbors watch you sprint down the street as you chase after trash cans or decorations being carried away with the breeze.
While it may be safe to say that most people agree that wind is the worst for these reasons, there’s one side effect of windy days that no one thinks about until it’s too late: wind damage.
Severe wind storms, like the Nor’easter we just experienced a few days ago, may cause serious problems when it comes to the safety of your home. Some of these problems are obvious, while others are not.
After a wind storm, it’s important to take a few precautionary actions to ensure that your property isn’t damaged. This quick assessment will allow you to take appropriate steps toward reducing further damage and fixing whatever issues you have uncovered
1. Look For Loose Tree Branches
The telltale signs of a wind storm are fallen trees and debris strewn about. Many of us keep our eyes on the ground when assessing the damage, and forget to look up.
If you have a house in a wooded area, or a tree in your property that hangs over a neighbor’s yard, you’ll want to make sure there are not damaged branches that could fall at a later time. It’s your responsibility as a homeowner to be aware of these conditions.
2. Look For Missing Siding Or Soft Metals
Winds like Monday’s Nor’easter are strong enough to rip the siding right off of your house. The same goes for soft metals, like capping or gutters.
Take a walk around your house and inspect the exterior surfaces. Make sure that everything is where it should be and that no pieces have been lifted or completely blown away.
3. Have A Professional Inspect Your Roof
Roofs tend to suffer the most damage during a wind storm. Unfortunately, the damage isn’t always obvious to the layman. It takes a professional with specialized knowledge to identify hidden damage to roofs.
Have a roofer or public adjuster inspect your roof after a wind storm. They might see something you didn’t even know was there, and will tell you what steps must be taken to protect yourself.
4. Look For Interior Damage
When siding or a roof is damaged by wind, it tends to create openings that allow water to get into your house. While this seems like something you’d notice immediately, it’s not.
Consider second floor guest bedrooms or hallway linen closets that are rarely used except for storage. How much time do you actually spend in these areas? And how often are you actively looking for damage when you’re there?
After a wind storm, walk through each room in your house with a flashlight. Check for water infiltration in the ceiling, walls, wall seams, and floors. This could appear in the form of discoloration, bubbling, or damp spots on your hardwood or carpeted floors.
Most insurance policies cover damage cause by wind loss. However, as always, there are a number of policy loopholes that insurance carriers rely on to deny you coverage in the case of wind damage.
It’s important to contact a lawyer that specializes in insurance policy disputes, like those at Wheeler, DiUlio, & Barnabei. Getting a lawyer involved early in the process will help you get your claim resolved more quickly and prevent problems before they arise.
Are you worried that your home may have suffered from wind damage? We can help. Contact Wheeler, DiUlio, & Barnabei today.
