Navigating Home Repairs After a Wind Storm: Trees, Damage, and Insurance Claims

When a wind storm wreaks havoc in your neighborhood, the sight of fallen trees and damaged property can be overwhelming. One of the most significant concerns for homeowners is the potential damage to their house, particularly to the roof, siding, and gutters. Secondary areas of concern often include outdoor structures and features like grills, pergolas, decks, and windows. Here's a step-by-step guide on dealing with storm damage, engaging with your insurance company, and how a professional contracting company like Reformation General Contracting can help streamline the repair process.

Safety First

After a wind storm, safety should be your immediate priority. Keep a safe distance from fallen trees and broken branches, especially if they're near power lines. If a tree has fallen on your house, do not attempt to remove it yourself. The weight and tension within the tree can make it extremely dangerous.

Assess the Damage

Once it's safe, start assessing the damage. Damage to your roof might include missing shingles, holes, or cracks from the impact. Siding could be dented or torn off, and gutters might be bent or broken. Outdoor structures and features like grills, pergolas, decks, and windows might also be damaged. Document everything thoroughly with photos and videos for your insurance claim.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and schedule a time for an adjuster to come and assess the damage. It's important to know what your policy covers; typically, insurance will cover damage from wind storms and falling trees.

Enlist Professional Help

Engaging a professional contractor like Reformation General Contracting early in the process is crucial. A professional contractor can provide a detailed damage assessment, which can help when you're dealing with your insurance company. They can also perform emergency tarping or boarding to prevent further damage until repairs can be made.

Start the Repair Process

The repair process will depend on the severity of the damage. Roof repair might involve replacing missing shingles or, in more severe cases, a full roof replacement. Damaged siding and gutters will need to be repaired or replaced. Damage to windows, grills, pergolas, and decks will also need to be addressed.

At Reformation General Contracting, we specialize in repairing storm damage and can work with your insurance company to facilitate the claims process. We understand that dealing with storm damage can be stressful, and our goal is to make the repair process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Remember, while wind storms can cause significant damage, quick action and a strategic approach can help mitigate further damage and set you on a clear path to recovery.