Minnesota Storms Can Put Your Home at Risk
Between the thunderstorms, hail, and high winds of spring and summer, and the snow and ice of winter, Minnesota has its fair share of stormy conditions year-round. And the results of this extreme weather — storm damage — can cause a host of problems for your home.
The good news is that you can take action to keep your home in top condition, even when stormy weather comes along. The key is being aware of what to look for. Whenever a storm passes through, take time to check your home inside and out for signs of storm damage.
Storm Damage Inside Your Home
Rain, snow, ice dams, hail… all of these can impact your home interior, exposing it to too much moisture. After any kind of stormy weather, do a walk-through inside your home.
1. Ceilings
If your roof is leaking, you’re very likely to see the evidence on your interior ceilings. While the rain is happening, or immediately after, check for:
- Wet spots
- Dripping
- Dark marks
- Discoloration
- Flaking paint
2. Walls
Walls can also show signs of moisture damage. Keep an eye out for:
- Spots of mold and mildew (may be black, brown, red, yellow)
- Flaking or cracked drywall
- Water stains
- Streaks of water
3. Floors
Don’t overlook your flooring, which can also show signs of leaks:
- Wet spots and puddles
- Sloping or uneven floors
4. Attic
Leaks typically affect the highest point of your home first, which means you may see damage in the attic:
- Water puddles
- Drips or stains underneath roof
- Wet attic beams
- Damp insulation
- Light peeking through roof
5. Plumbing
Storm damage can impact your home’s plumbing, because leaks can sneak into areas where pipes are installed. Watch out for:
- Wet spots around pipes, toilets, sinks and faucets
- Musty, moldy smell
- Odor of sewage
Storm Damage on Your Home Exterior
Just as you should check your home interior, it’s important to inspect the outside of your house anytime strong storms occur.
1. Siding
Hail and wind can loosen wood, vinyl, brick or stone exterior walls. Wood siding, window frames, and shutters are especially vulnerable to rot from excess moisture.
2. Outdoor Structures
High winds can knock down structures around your home. Excess moisture can do plenty of damage too.
- Fallen fencing
- Damaged shed
- Loose deck railing
- Wood rot in deck floor
- Cracked concrete steps, sidewalks and driveway
3. Landscaping
It’s common to see greenery taking a hard hit due to snow, ice, rain, and hail, such as:
- Fallen tree limbs
- Broken and dangling tree limbs
- Torn-up shrubbery
- Puddles in grassy areas where water doesn’t drain properly
4. Loose Property
Any property you keep outside — such as cars, bikes, lawn furniture, etc. — can be affected by strong storms. So, don’t forget to check them too!
Signs You May Need Roof Repair or Roof Replacement
Your roof is essential to keeping your home at its best. A strong, secure roof prevents leaks, stands up to hail, keeps your home comfortable and safe, and looks great from the curb too. All of this helps your house retain its value over time.
While it can be dangerous to climb onto your roof (we don’t recommend you do so), some issues can be spotted safely from the ground. Stand at a distance from your home (or use a drone if you have one!), and look for:
1. Shingle granules
Asphalt shingles are covered in granules designed to reflect UV rays. Storms can cause these granules to come loose, lessening their protectiveness. You may see granules clogging your gutter or scattered around your yard.
2. Missing, broken or cracked shingles
Wind can blow shingles off your roof, so if you see any on the ground, you may have a hole in your roof. You may notice bare spots on the roof where shingles have gone missing. You may also see spots where roofing has been lifted up and out of place.
3. Damaged gutters
Your gutters direct moisture away from your roof and your foundation. If gutters are leaking, cracked, clogged, loosened, missing hardware, or moved out of place, this may mean your roof has been damaged too.
The High Cost of Storm Damage that Isn’t Addressed
When moisture damage isn’t dealt with quickly, your home can end up suffering from a host of cascading problems that grow worse over time. Storm damage can lead to:
- Cracked foundation
- Weakened roofing
- Rotten siding
- Mold growth
These issues can spread quickly, affecting your home’s structural integrity, creating an unhealthy environment for loved ones, and lessening your home’s value. It’s better to address storm damage immediately, before it grows worse.
Roof repair is especially important to prevent further issues from happening all throughout your home. And if you need a roof replacement due to aging, wear and tear, or significant storm damage, don’t put it off. A secure roof that is watertight keeps your home safe, comfortable, and durable for the long-term.
Have more questions about roof replacement? Check out our roof replacement guide.
Want to learn more about what goes into the roof replacement process? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Roof Replacement for an in-depth look!
Get Trusted Repairs for Storm Damage—and Love Your Home
While the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul area may suffer a lot of harsh weather, your home can remain in tip-top shape for years to come as long as you take care of issues as soon as they occur.
We understand storm damage repair, roof repair, roof replacement and other home care needs can feel intimidating or overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our experienced experts can answer your questions and give you superior workmanship that provides peace of mind in your home’s condition.
Check out our reviews to see why Minnesota homeowners turn to us to get lasting roofing solutions and other home renovations that give them the home lifestyle they desire. And contact us with any questions. We’re here and ready to help!
