With spring and summer come some nasty storms. If your area gets hit and your Minneapolis home experiences storm damage, do you know what to do? Luckily, we’ve compiled 5 steps that you should do to respond to storm damage.
When it comes to storm damage repair in Minneapolis, you want to act fast. Procrastinating can cause further damage to your home and belongings, so it’s important that you get started on these steps right away!
Step 1: Check Home for Damage
After the storm has passed, the first step is to check your home for damage. Not all damage will be immediately obvious, so pay close attention!
Before going outside to inspect your home, first make sure that your area is safe. The local news should release a statement once the storm has officially passed. Other than that, your safety should be your number one priority! You should:
- Watch out for broken glass, exposed nails and other hazards
- Stay 10 feet away from downed power lines
- Avoid standing water
- Always take a flashlight if inspecting your home in the dark, but if possible, wait until morning
- Be aware of your surroundings
While checking your home for storm damage, both the inside and outside of your home are important. Check your attics or crawl spaces for water accumulation that could be caused by new damage to your roof, your basement for flooding, your siding and windows for damage, and look for any downed trees or power lines outside.
Step 2: Review and Assess Damage
If you’ve already confirmed that it’s safe to move around your property and you have enough light, go around and photograph any damage your home received during the storm.
It’s important to note that roofs are susceptible to damage from hail and falling tree limbs while windows and doors are especially vulnerable to wind damage and flying debris. Knowing what to look for when assessing damage can help make the process of storm damage repair that much easier!
Step 3: Contact your Insurance Company
By taking pictures in step 2, you’re already well on your way to handling step 3! If you have insurance, you should file a claim including pictures of the damage sustained by your home. If you need to vacate your home during renovations, be sure to keep any receipts for hotels and travel costs to submit as well!
Step 4: When Possible, Prevent Additional Damage
If you notice any broken windows or repairs that you feel confident you can do on your own, repairing them as soon as possible can help eliminate further damage. We always recommend hiring a professional for tricky repairs and anything that involves getting up on your roof!
Step 5: Select the Right Contractor
Once you’ve taken inventory of the damage, it’s time to think about storm damage repair to your Minneapolis home. You need a professional and trustworthy contractor to come in and repair your home from storm damage. Don’t be fooled by companies that swoop in after storm damage – just because they are there doesn’t mean that they care. Also check reviews and testimonials to make sure you get the best in storm damage repair.
That’s why you should call JTR Roofing! Our experts will handle all of the necessary repairs to your roof, siding, windows, and more. Call us today at 651-777-7394 or contact us!
