Think You Have NO Damage? Think Again. The 5 Most Common Unseen Damages from Hurricanes

Many homeowners don’t realize there are common unseen damages when it comes to roofs and suffering a hurricane. Even if you were not in the direct line of fire for one of this year’s devastating hurricanes, it is likely you may have one the of the most common unseen damages to your home.

The most common unseen damages from a hurricane may be difficult to notice but they can do significant damage if left undetected and not repaired. That’s the real problem with most common unseen damages that result from a hurricane – they don’t get repaired and can end up causing homeowners lasting damage. 

So how do you know if you have some of the most common unseen damages after this hurricane season? You may need a thorough inspection of your home to make sure you don’t have any damage. Read on for some of the most common unseen damages from hurricanes. 

1. Mold Growth – Among the Most Common Unseen Damages

Hurricane season is finally getting behind us and it’s been a tough one – The Florida Panhandle and the Carolina coast both getting devastated with major hurricanes. There are many people with major damage – some in the Panhandle lost everything. And many are still affected by Hurricane Florence’s torrential downpours in the Carolina coast. 

For those putting damaged homes back together, it’s important to be thorough to make sure you don’t have any common unseen damages from a hurricane. 

Mold is a problem all year round in warmer climates, but it can be particularly problematic after a hurricane. It is one of the most common unseen damages after a hurricane and can create ongoing problems for homeowners if it isn’t dealt with immediately. 

Mold thrives in dark, moist environments and often after hurricane season that is exactly the environment of many homes. While there is always some mold present since it is a naturally occurring organism, it can get out of hand and lead to major problems for homeowners. It can damage walls, fixtures, roofs and even cause sickness and allergies. 

Some types of mold cannot be washed away, it must be removed. And because mold spores become airborne when disturbed, it can be a difficult process.

2. Most Common Unseen Damages: Shingles on your Roof

Roof shingles are commonly damaged after hurricanes and they can be one of the most common unseen damages. Roof shingles can be damaged by wind, debris, hail and even malfunctioning gutters. The reason shingle damage is one of the most common unseen damages is that many homeowners think they don’t have damage and don’t do a thorough inspection of their roof. 

Shingles are critical to a healthy roof and lifting or warped shingles can often be a common problem. Shingles are critical to the health of your roof because they direct water away from the roof and protect it from moisture. They are the roof’s first layer of defense against the elements so must be in proper condition. If you aren’t sure if you have damage to your shingles, contact us for a free inspection. 

3. Hail Damage is one of the Most Common Unseen Damages after Hurricane

It’s not uncommon for major hurricanes to spin off tornados or even create hail. Hail can do major home damage, but its often overlooked and is one of the most common unseen damages. Hail damage can be difficult to detect, but it can be serious. The signs of hail damage include:

• Loss of granules on the roof shingles
• Small dents or marks on shingles
• Cracked shingles
• Torn window screens

Hail damage can be subtle and one of the most common unseen damages after a hurricane, but it can cause serious problems for homeowners.

4. Most Common Unseen Damages: Water Damage

If you have water damage after a hurricane, sometimes it’s obvious. If water entered your home through either wind-driven rain or as rising water from flooding, it may be perfectly clear where you have water damage. 

But water damage can continue to build after a hurricane and lead to the most common unseen damages. For example, if your rain gutters were damaged from the wind you may have water collecting and pooling on your roof. This can cause major water damage to your roof structure including shingles and trim. 

Damaged shingles can also result in water damage to your roof. If your shingles are not in good condition, they don’t do the work of protecting the underlayment of the roof. It’s important to have all your roof structures fully inspected and repaired as soon as possible after a hurricane. 

5. The Most Common Unseen Damages: What to Look For

The most important task when it comes to the most common unseen damages after a hurricane is to locate them and repair them as quickly as possible. If you know what to look for you can deal with these most common unseen damages. 

Here are a few areas to pay close attention to after a hurricane:

Flashing: Roof flashing is often lifted or torn by hurricane winds. Inspect your roof flashing carefully.

Gutters: Rain gutters are critical to keeping your roof healthy. Make sure your rain gutters are not cracked or clogged. 

Attics: To look for the most common unseen damages after a hurricane, inspect your attic carefully. It may help you locate unseen roof damage. Look for areas of moisture or discoloration. You may also see rot or wood damage if you have suffered from a water leak.

Leaks inside your Home: Inspect the interior of your home for water leaks. Look for bubbling, warping or even cracks in walls and floors. Any sign of moisture can be a sign of a water leak.

Often water leaks are the first sign of damage to the exterior of the home. The outside damage may not be visible at first.

Hurricanes cause major devastation. Even if you were on the outskirts of these major hurricanes of the season, you may have some of the most common unseen damages from hurricanes. If you think you may have some damage. Contact us today for a free inspection.