April showers bring… potential home damage?

For many states across the country, spring marks the beginning of rain reason. If you live in an area that’s been getting a lot of wet weather recently, it’s important that you understand that continuous rain can start to damage your home. This is why you should know how to inspect your home for damage after a rainstorm. Not sure what you should be looking for? Here’s what you should do during a post-rainstorm home inspection.

Safety First

It’s important to remember that your safety should always be your first priority. This means that you should not attempt to examine the exterior of your home when rain is still falling. Even if you see visible signs of a leak, you should not venture out and put yourself at risk. Do what you can to minimize the damage from inside the safety of your home. If the storm worsens, getting your family to a safe location is more important than attempting to address your home’s damage.

Check Your Roof and Gutters

Once the storm has passed, you should begin your home inspection on the roof. Start by making sure that your gutters and downspout are all intact and clear of any debris. This will ensure that they properly drain the water off your roof the next time it rains. Then check your roof for missing or damaged shingles and look for signs of water damage. Keep in mind that not all damages will be immediately visible. To make sure you are not missing any damage, conduct multiple inspections at different times of day. The changing light conditions can help you see damage that you could not previously see before.

Check Your Property

Heavy rain doesn’t just affect your home; it can also damage your property. This is why you should be careful to inspect your front yard and backyard following a rainstorm. Check your storm drains to make sure that they are doing an effective job of directing water away from your home and make sure these drains are clear of any debris. You should also check for patches of loose earth and signs of tilting trees. If you fear that a tree might fall and cause property damage, then you might have to call a professional to cut it down as a precaution.

Try out these suggestions to inspect your home following heavy rain.  Want another way to help you home weather a storm?  Make you have the proper homeowners insurance protections in place.  To find the right policies to meet your needs, contact the team at Randy Jones Insurance Services in Pleasanton, California.  We are ready to get you the coverage that you need today.