Storm Damage Checklist: Steps to Take After a Florida Storm

Of all the states in the U.S., Florida deals with some of the most brutal storms and resulting storm damage.

If you live in Florida, you should perform a thorough assessment of your home following a storm.

An assessment will help you document any damage and accelerate insurance claims to help pay for much-needed repairs. Damage that goes unnoticed can result in more costly repairs for you later down the road.

Here is a general storm damage checklist you should perform after every storm.

Step 1: Assess Your Roof for Storm Damage

Roofing in central Florida is one of the first things you should look at after a storm since roofs often take the brunt of the damage. Note that you should not climb onto your roof yourself; it may be slippery or weakened after a storm. 

To safely check your roof from the ground, take a walk around the perimeter of your home and note any signs of damage. You should photograph anything you notice.

Some common signs of storm damage to your roof include shingles that are:

• Dented
• Curled
• Missing
• Torn

If you suspect your roof is damaged, contact a trusted professional who can assist you with assessing the state of your roof. A bad contractor could worsen your roof damage and lead to higher costs, so always look for someone with a good service history.

Step 2: Check Windows, Gutters, and Roofing Accessories

Even if your shingles appear safely intact, there could still be unseen roof damage. If there are dents in your gutters or roof vents following a storm, you may have sustained hidden roof damage.

Check the outside walls as well. Strong winds can loosen siding, and heavy storms can strip paint from your exterior walls.

Other signs of storm damage you should look out for include window cracks, torn screens, and loose weather stripping.

Step 3: Inspect Your Yard and the Area Around Your Home

In addition to checking for roof, gutter, and window damage, you should inspect the area around your home.

Some signs of damage to look out for include:

• Broken fences
• Fallen tree limbs
• Damage to patios, lawn furniture, or exterior decorations
• Hail damage to your deck

Any time your area experiences hail, your property is at risk of serious damage. You can look for hail damagein your gutters by checking for dents. To do this, run chalk along the gutter to see if there are any slight indentations as a result of the storm.

Hail can also damage your air conditioner, so you should make sure to thoroughly check your outdoor AC unit.

Step 4: Check for Leaks in Your Ceiling, Attic, and Basement

Even if your home seems to have survived the storm unscathed from the outside, there could still be internal damage.

Hail is notorious for creating leaks, which are difficult to detect and can cause huge, expensive problems. You should check your light fixtures, ceilings, and basement for any signs of water and closely inspect your attic with a high-power flashlight.

Step 5: Call Your Homeowner’s Insurance Company to Protect Your Property in Orlando

Property in Orlando, like any Florida real estate, is particularly susceptible to storm damage. Florida is regularly battered by severe weather events, from common thunderstorms to hurricanes.

After noting any signs of damage in your home following a storm, you should report it to your insurance company and request an inspection.

Your insurance company may also be able to recommend a trusted contractor who will assess the damage, offer an estimate, and provide quality home repair.