Storm Damage: 6 Things Minnesota Homeowners Should Know
Storms can cause massive damage to Minnesota homes, and if you're not prepared and informed correctly, it can become a frustrating ordeal.
Knowing the most common types of damage and tips for mitigating them can help, so the team at Restoration Geeks is here with essential information to help protect your home.
Prepare for Strong Winds
Strong winds can wreak havoc on your home, especially the roofing system. Even worse, if the storm is strong enough, it can cause the material to loosen and damage the interior of the home's structure if moisture can get inside.
One of the best preventive measures for preparing your roof is having regular inspections and checking for loose or missing materials, like flashing or broken sections, and not waiting to address them.
Projectiles are common in storms, leaving your windows and exterior vulnerable to damage. Take the time to tape or board up the susceptible areas and add any extra support, especially if they're predicting extreme weather.
If a storm has hit, and you are experiencing a roofing emergency or exterior damage, call a professional immediately to get your home back on track.
Reduce Snow And Ice Damage
Minnesota's snow and ice storms are known for their low temperatures and heavy moisture. They can be extremely problematic for homeowners because any cracks in doors, windows, or roofing systems can allow in moisture and lead to internal leaks.
Ice dams are also a huge concern because as they thaw and refreeze, they can cause the water to pool, pushing it underneath the roofing material and leading to extensive damage inside the home if not resolved.
Preventing leaks in your roof and home means staying on top of ensuring all openings are sealed and that you have efficient ventilation and insulation to reduce the risk. While it may be tempting to address the issue with a DIY repair, it's only recommended if you're a pro with the right training, tools, and know-how to ensure a proper finish.
Remove the Risk of Falling Branches
Broken tree branches are another problem area from storm damage and occur when the branches have weak points from age, snow, rain, and winds.
If the branches dislodge, they can crash onto your roof or home, damaging materials and breaking windows. Unmaintained branches also risk clogging your gutters with leaves, twigs, and other debris that has built up in the system and stop the water from flowing correctly.
It's always recommended to trim the branches to reduce the risk of damage and help you stay better prepared for the worst Minnesota winter storms.
Create a Plan for Flooding
While flooding isn't as common as other types of storm issues in Minnesota, it does happen and can cause all kinds of problems, from power outages to infrastructure damage in your home. Contaminated water can bring infectious diseases, not to mention the amount of fatigue and mental stress that comes with the loss if your home is affected by flooding.
Always have emergency supplies on hand so you have a clean supply of water, and if you need to evacuate, make sure you turn off all utilities, including the main gas valve and power switches.
The water can do extensive damage to areas like floors, drywall, and siding, so do your best to block more vulnerable areas of the home with sandbags and work with a professional for restoration services.
Secure Your Windows
Your windows are one of the more vulnerable parts of your home during storms, and it only takes one projectile in a storm to smash them to pieces. Safeguarding them against damage can save you money, and several different products are available on the market, from roll-down shutters to security film, that can give them extra support and decrease the risk of needing a total replacement after a strong storm.
Protect Your Gutters
Your gutters are one of the most important parts of your roofing system because they redirect rain away from your entire home and keep it protected. Clogging, snow, and water damage can all negatively impact this system, so it's recommended to clean them out annually and reinforce the system with additional brackets to bear the weight of ice and snow buildup and reinforce against wind resistance.
Tips for After a Storm
A few expert tips you can keep in mind if you have experienced a storm include:
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Make sure there are no immediate threats like downed power lines or gas smells.
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Check your other outdoor structures, like garages or sheds, for damage.
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Inspect crawl spaces, attics, and basements.
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Examine windows and doors, floors, and ceilings.
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Thoroughly document any damages.
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Contact your insurance company if damages have occurred.
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Schedule a professional inspection right away.
Your Experts in Storm Restoration Services
Minnesota storms can feel overwhelming to manage, and Restoration Geeks has been in the business for over 20 years, focusing on 5-star customer care. Our team specializes in storm damage repair, and because we know how challenging the process can be, we offer you full support with the insurance claim.
If you have experienced storm damage and need expert help, give us a call at 952-500-9546 or contact us online to book your consultation.