How to Check for Water Damage After a Storm

Hurricane Irma was one of the largest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, and it goes without saying that she brought record-breaking damages with her. With flood warnings still in effect across most of Central and South Florida and a large percentage of the population still without power, Florida residents saw their fair share of this monster storm over the last few days.

While we’re sure you’re a little stir crazy, it’s important to check with local officials before you begin searching your property and assessing the damages. Downed power lines can still be active even if the area doesn’t have power. Once you’re sure your property is safe, use these tips from the Orlando drywall repair team at New Ceilings to root out the source of any water damage:

• Check your roof first. The roof is usually the main point of entry for water, especially in storms with high winds. If any branches or trees have fallen on your roof, there’s a good chance they’re letting water in – but leave branch removal to the professionals. If you don’t see any roof damage, be sure to look for any dark stains that indicate moisture.

• Make sure your gutters are in good shape. Your gutters are truly the unsung heroes of your home, as they ensure that water doesn’t pool where it’s not supposed to. They’re also frequent victims of storm damage. If you see that your gutters and downspouts have been damaged, there’s a good chance some water is pooling by your home’s foundation and should be dealt with immediately.

• Inspect the condition of your exterior walls. Finally, do a last inspection of your home’s siding and the trim around your windows. Keep an eye on areas that have been damaged by flying debris or torn away in high winds. Even if you can’t see standing water on the inside of your home, there’s a good chance it’s creeping in through one of these avenues.

We understand how difficult it can be to sit still and wait for someone to fix up your home, but it’s so important that you consult a professional before you do any post-storm cleanup work. Knowing what areas of your home are damaged will help your team to quickly and efficiently fix the issues. To learn more, call New Ceilings at 407-378-6040 today.