by Darryl Brooks

Created on: July 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 14, 2009

Tornadoes, gales, hurricanes, or just plain high winds can cause major damage to your home. Everyone has seen the pictures of wind ravaged homes with the roofs blown off, windows knocked out, or trees crashing through walls, but many times the damage is much more subtle. A missing or loose shingle, a gutter pulled away from the house, or a broken seal around a window or vent can allow water into the home causing major unseen damage over time.

The construction of a home is fairly simple, but each component plays a critical and important part. Water runs across the shingles into the gutter which carries it to the ground and away from the structure. The seals and gaskets around openings such as windows, doors, and vents keep rain from entering the home. If any part of this system fails because of wind or wear, then water will begin to seep in and start taking its toll.

The damage can be subtle and undetectable at first. Water can run down the inside of walls and collect on the wood under and behind your walls. Leaks in roofs can cause rain to enter and collect in the attic slowly soaking into insulation and seeping through the sheetrock. Over time, this will cause the sheetrock to fail, wood to rot, mold and mildew to flourish and eventually result in major structural damage. By the time, there is a visible indication, such as a brown spot on the ceiling, or mildew around a vent, major harm could have already taken place.

Once water and wind related problems have been detected, it requires a trained professional to come in and assess the damage and quickly produce a remedy. Walls or ceilings may need to be torn out to expose the damaged areas and allow air to circulate. Dehumidifiers and fans may need to be brought in to dry out the wet areas before any repairs can be attempted. Special skills and tools are needed to get rid of the mold and mildew which can linger for years and cause health problems in family and pets.

After any unusual storm, heavy rain, or high wind, you should make a thorough inspection of the outside and inside of your home. Check the attic for leaks or any sign of moisture. Look around the gutters, soffit, and windows for problems created by the wind. If there is any doubt, now is the time to bring in a professional that knows what to look for and how to prevent future damage.

A small amount of vigilance now can prevent major headaches in the future.

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