How to Check & Maintain Your Home's Exterior After a Storm

After a storm, your home’s exterior can be left vulnerable to damage that may not always be immediately visible. Severe weather, heavy rain, strong winds, or hail can weaken roofing, siding, gutters, and other essential elements of your home.

Regular post-storm inspections and maintenance are critical for ensuring the longevity of your property and avoiding costly repairs in the future.

This guide will cover the key steps homeowners should take when inspecting and maintaining their home’s exterior after a storm. From routine roofing, siding, and windows checks to maintaining gutter systems and foundations, we'll provide practical advice on safeguarding your home.

Following these guidelines, you can keep your home secure and well-maintained through all weather conditions. Let’s start with what you should check after the storm has passed.

What Routine Checks Should Be Performed on Your Home’s Exterior Post-Storm?

After a storm, thoroughly inspecting your home’s exterior is essential to identify any visible or hidden damage.

1. The first area you should inspect is the roof, as it is often the most vulnerable part of your home during a storm. Look for loose or missing shingles and any debris that may have collected on the roof.
2. Check for any signs of leaks or water stains in your attic, as these can also indicate roof damage that isn’t visible from the outside.
3. Next, examine your home’s gutters and downspouts. Storm debris, such as leaves and branches, can clog gutters, causing water to overflow and damage your roof or foundation. Ensure that the gutters are securely attached to the house and free of blockage.
4. Also, inspect the siding for cracks, holes, or loose panels that could allow water or pests to enter. Check around windows and doors for gaps in the seals or visible damage to the frames.
5. Remember to walk around your property to assess the condition of your yard, fencing, and outdoor structures like sheds or garages. Trees or large branches may have fallen during the storm, which could pose additional risks to your home if not removed promptly.

By taking these routine steps, you can quickly identify and address any issues before they worsen.

How Often Should Gutter Systems Be Inspected & Cleaned?

Ideally, you should inspect your gutter systems twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. However, after a significant storm, you must check your gutters immediately for any debris buildup or damage. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, damaging your roof, siding, and even your home’s foundation.

Cleaning your gutters regularly ensures that rainwater flows efficiently away from your home. During an inspection, check for loose or detached sections of the gutter system and ensure that downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.

If you notice signs of rust, cracks, or leaks in the gutters, it’s best to address these issues immediately to prevent further damage. Routine gutter cleaning and inspection will help prolong the life of your gutters and protect your home from storm-related water damage.

While it’s possible to clean your gutters on your own, many homeowners opt for professional gutter cleaning services to ensure that the job is done thoroughly and safely. This is especially important if your gutters are difficult to access or you’ve experienced heavy storm debris.

Signs of Storm Damage on Siding & Windows

Storm damage to siding and windows is often visible, but some signs can be more subtle. After a storm, inspect the siding for cracks, chips, or holes. Hail, wind-driven debris, and heavy rainfall can cause significant damage to siding materials, leading to water infiltration.

Pay close attention to areas where siding panels have come loose or shifted. These weak points can allow water and pests to enter your home.

For windows, look for broken glass or cracks in the frames. Water stains around the windows or signs of condensation between double-pane windows could indicate that the seals have been compromised.

Damaged seals allow moisture to enter, which can lead to mold growth and higher energy bills due to insulation loss.

Another common sign of window damage after a storm is difficulty in opening or closing the windows, as frames may have warped or shifted due to the force of the wind.

If any of these issues are spotted, they must be addressed quickly to prevent more serious damage. Water infiltration through siding or windows can cause structural issues over time, so repairs should not be delayed.

How to Maintain Your Home’s Foundation After Frequent Storms

Frequent storms can have a lasting impact on your home’s foundation, especially if water is not properly diverted away from the base of your house.

One of the first steps in maintaining your foundation is ensuring your gutter system functions properly. Make sure that downspouts extend far enough away from your foundation to prevent water from pooling around your home. The grading of your yard should also slope away from your house to help direct water flow.

After a storm, inspect the foundation for any cracks or signs of shifting. While small cracks may be normal, larger or widening cracks could indicate that your foundation has been compromised by repeated water exposure. It’s also important to check for signs of moisture in your basement or crawl space, as this can be a sign that water is seeping through the foundation.

Maintaining proper drainage around your home is key to protecting the foundation from storm damage. If drainage issues persist, you may need to consider more extensive solutions, such as installing a French drain or a sump pump system. Regular inspection and proactive maintenance will help keep your foundation secure and prevent costly repairs in the future.

What Professional Services Are Necessary for Post-Storm Exterior Maintenance?

While homeowners can handle some basic inspections and minor repairs, certain aspects of post-storm exterior maintenance are best left to professionals. Roofing inspections, for example, should be carried out by experienced roofers who can identify hidden damage and repair or replace any compromised shingles or flashing.

Engaging a professional is crucial for ensuring your roof is fully repaired to prevent future leaks or structural damage.

Gutter cleaning and repair services are also highly recommended after a storm, particularly if there’s a lot of debris or if your gutter system has suffered damage. Professional gutter cleaners will ensure that all debris is safely removed, preventing potential blockages. They will also check for signs of damage, such as cracks or rust, that could cause future problems.

Lastly, siding and window repair services may be necessary to address any damage caused by high winds or hail. Professionals can assess the full extent of the damage and provide the necessary repairs to maintain your home’s integrity. For expert storm damage repair and maintenance, homeowners in Minneapolis can rely on The Best Roofing Company for comprehensive service.

The Best Roofing Company: Your Go-to After a Storm

Maintaining your home’s exterior after a storm is essential to prevent further damage and costly repairs. From inspecting your roof, gutters, and siding to addressing foundation issues, each step plays a vital role in keeping your home safe.

For those needing professional help, it's crucial to rely on experienced contractors for thorough inspections and repairs. The storm damage repair services in Minneapolis provided by The Best Roofing Company ensure that all aspects of your home’s exterior are properly maintained.

Whether you need roof repairs, gutter cleaning, or siding replacement, hiring experts will give you peace of mind that your home is protected from the elements.

If you're dealing with persistent storm damage, The Best Roofing Company, based in Inver Grove Heights, MN, offers comprehensive services to address all your post-storm maintenance needs. Contact us online or call 612-458-9378 to schedule an inspection and protect your home from future storms.