Dallas residents are used to unpredictable storms full of rain, heavy winds, and even hail. Although you can quickly spot damage like broken windows and missing shingles, hidden structural damage is much more dangerous. Hidden structural damage can create safety hazards throughout your home or business and even lead to extensive repairs if left unchecked. It is important to know what signs of damage to look for so you can identify them as soon as possible, especially before you schedule a session of Storm Damage Restoration Dallas TX. Below are common categories of hidden structural damage, along with what to look for, to keep your property safe and make informed decisions about storm damage restoration.
1. Spotting Foundation Damage
The foundation of your home or business keeps your property secure, but it’s susceptible to damage during storms. Heavy rains can cause the soil underneath and around your foundation to become saturated. When soil becomes oversaturated with water, it moves and shifts, causing foundation issues over time.
What to Look for Outside
Take a walk around the outside of your home or business and look for cracks in your foundation, especially vertical or diagonal cracks. Small cracks, also known as hairline cracks, are normal and typically nothing to worry about. However, if you notice cracks that are wider than 1/16 of an inch, seek help from a professional. Cracks wider than this can indicate a foundation issue. You will also want to look for areas where soil has separated from the foundation or areas of erosion where the footing is exposed.
What to Look for Inside
Cracks in your drywall are a strong indicator of foundation movement, especially around doors and windows. Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly are another sign that your foundation has shifted. Lastly, check to see if any of your floors are sloped or uneven.
2. Checking for Roof and Attic Damage
Hurricanes and hailstorms can cause major damage to your roof. While some damage is easy to spot, such as missing shingles, other issues may be hidden and cause structural damage to the underlying components.
Inspecting the Attic
Check your attic after storms for visible sunlight shining through the roof deck. If you can see sunlight beaming through, there are gaps or holes in your roof deck. You should also inspect your rafters and trusses for any cracks or splits. High wind speeds can cause structural damage to the underlying structure of your roof.
Signs of Water Damage
Water stains on the underside of your roof or dark spots are another indication of damage. Wet or matted insulation can indicate water intrusion, wood rot, and even collapse of your ceilings if left untreated. Look for these indicators around chimneys, roof vents, and skylights. These areas are prone to leaks and should be closely inspected.
3. Detecting Hidden Water Intrusion
Storms can push rain behind walls and under exterior cladding. Once water enters these areas, it can become trapped and begin to cause structural rot or mold if left unnoticed.
Exterior Clues
Take a walk around the outside of your property and look for cracked or loose siding, warped panels, and missing mortar in brick homes. Any gaps or openings in your exterior allow water to seep into walls and go unnoticed.
Checking the interior
One of the biggest tips for noticing water damage inside your home is to use your nose. If you smell musty odors inside your home, you could have water trapped inside your walls. After that, look for peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, or other discoloration on your walls and ceilings. Water can also cause swelling of your baseboards or create gaps between the wall and the baseboard.
4. Inspecting Windows and Doors
Windows and doors can lose their seal during storms. Not only can this cause issues with energy efficiency, but it can also cause structural damage to the frames.
Signs of Trouble
You will want to check all of your windows for fogging or condensation between glass panes. If you notice either of these, the seal has failed. Although it may not seem like a big deal, moisture can enter the window frame and cause wood rot. Check around all of your doors and window frames for any signs of warping or gaps along the edges. If you can see daylight coming through or feel air coming through around your frames, the storm may have shifted the frame, allowing space for water and pests to enter.
5. Evaluating Your Drainage System
Your drainage system consists of gutters and downspouts. These systems help divert water away from your home’s foundation. If these become damaged, it can cause pooling water and foundation issues.
Gutter and Downspout Checks
Look around your gutters for any areas that are sagging, bending, or detached from your home. If water is flowing over the sides of your gutters and not into your downspouts, they are not doing their job. You should also check your downspout extensions to make sure they are in place and far enough away from your home. If rain is pooling near your foundation, you are at risk for foundation cracks and water leaking into your home.
Stay Proactive
Your property can suffer from serious damage during storms that you may not be able to see right away. Hidden damage can cause future rot, mold, and structural failures. After storms, take your time to thoroughly go through your home and business looking for the indicators listed above. Spotting these issues early can save you time and money in the long run.
If you notice any damage to your property after a storm, contact a professional for Storm Damage Restoration Dallas TX, right away. Best Option Restoration provides emergency storm damage restoration for local property owners. They can help repair the damage and return your property to its original condition.
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