If you're a property owner in Texas, you know that severe weather, including strong winds, can be a common occurrence. While visible storm damage to residential properties is often obvious, such as fallen trees or damaged roofs, there's another type of damage that can be hidden and easily overlooked. This is hidden damage from high winds.
Hello, my name is Chris Bishop of Bishop Builders. We are a general contracting company in Dallas, Fort Worth, and do work all over Texas. With over 30 years in the construction business in Texas, I've seen a lot of storm damage renovations. I want to tell you about what to look for when your home has suffered from storm damage in Texas. In particular about wind damage and how it can affect your home. It's really important for homeowners to be aware of these hidden damages so you can be prepared in case of a storm damage insurance claim.
After a storm passes, it's crucial to be aware of the potential for hidden wind damage that may not be immediately visible, but can have significant long-term consequences if left unaddressed. Here are some of the possible hidden wind damages that can occur to residential properties in Texas, and why it's essential to thoroughly inspect your home to protect its integrity and ensure your safety.
Storm Damage to the Roof
Roof damage is a common issue that homeowners in Texas may face after severe weather events, including high winds. While some roof damage may be visible, such as missing or damaged shingles, there are hidden wind damage risks that may not be immediately apparent.
Wind can cause shingles to lift, curl, or become loose, leading to potential leaks and water damage over time. Additionally, wind can damage the underlying structure of the roof, such as the decking or trusses, which may not be readily visible from the outside. Moreover, wind-driven debris, such as tree branches or flying debris during a storm, can impact roofs and cause hidden damage, including punctures or cracks.
Detecting these hidden wind damage signs requires a thorough inspection by a qualified professional who can identify potential issues and recommend appropriate repairs to protect the integrity of the roof and prevent further damage. As a homeowner in Texas, it's crucial to be proactive in inspecting your roof for hidden wind damage after storms to ensure your home remains safe and secure.
Soffit and Fascia Damage From Wind
Soffit and fascia are essential components of a home's exterior that often go unnoticed, but they can be vulnerable to hidden wind damage after a storm. Soffit refers to the exposed surface underneath the roof's overhang, while fascia is the vertical band that runs along the roof's edge. Both soffit and fascia play a crucial role in protecting the roof and attic from water infiltration and pests, as well as providing ventilation.
High winds during severe weather events in Texas can cause hidden damage to soffit and fascia. Wind can lift or detach soffit panels, creating openings that allow water, debris, and pests to enter the attic space. Fascia can also be damaged by wind, including bending or warping, compromising its functionality and aesthetic appeal. This hidden wind damage can result in water damage, rot, mold growth, and even structural issues if left un-repaired.
It's essential to include soffit and fascia in post-storm inspections to ensure they are in good condition and properly functioning to protect your home from potential damage caused by wind and other elements.
Storm and Wind Damage to Exterior Walls
The exterior walls of a home are the first line of defense against the elements, including wind damage. While exterior walls may appear intact after a storm, there can be hidden wind damage that compromises their structural integrity. High winds can cause hidden damage to the walls, such as cracks, shifting, or loosening of siding or bricks.
Over time, these hidden issues can lead to water infiltration, mold growth, reduced insulation, and even potential structural failure. In particular, wind-driven rain can penetrate small openings in the walls, leading to moisture damage and rot in hidden areas. Additionally, wind-borne debris during a storm can impact the walls and cause hidden damage, including dents, punctures, or cracks.
As a homeowner, being vigilant about hidden wind damage to exterior walls is essential to protect your investment and maintain the integrity of your home's envelope.
Foundation and Structural Damage From Wind
The foundation of a home is a critical structural component that provides stability and support. However, it can also be vulnerable to hidden wind damage. Strong winds during severe weather events in Texas can cause soil erosion and shifting, which can affect the foundation's stability. Wind can also create pressure differentials around the foundation, leading to uplift or settlement, causing cracks or shifting in the foundation walls or slab.
Over time, hidden foundation damage can lead to structural issues, such as uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, or cracks in walls or ceilings. Additionally, wind-driven debris, such as tree roots or rocks, can impact the foundation during a storm and cause hidden damage, including foundation cracks or fractures.
Detecting foundation damage due to hidden wind damage requires a professional inspection, including checking for signs such as gaps, cracks, or shifts in the foundation, as well as monitoring for changes in the home's structural performance. Timely detection and repair of hidden foundation damage can prevent further structural issues and ensure the stability and protecting your home's structural integrity.
Wind Damage to Door and Windows
Doors and windows are vulnerable to hidden wind damage during severe weather events in Texas, and such damage can have a significant impact on the integrity and functionality of a home. High winds can exert pressure on doors and windows, causing them to shift, warp, or become loose from their frames. This can result in gaps, cracks, or misalignments that may not be immediately apparent but can compromise the energy efficiency, security, and structural integrity of the home over time.
Wind-driven debris, such as tree limbs or flying objects, can also impact doors and windows during a storm, causing hidden damage such as dents, punctures, or shattered glass. Furthermore, wind-driven rain can penetrate small openings around doors and windows, leading to water infiltration, rot, and mold growth in hidden areas.
Detecting hidden wind damage to doors and windows requires a thorough inspection to identify potential issues. It's crucial to include doors and windows in post-storm inspections and promptly address any hidden damage to ensure the safety, security, and performance of these crucial components of your home. Taking proactive measures to mitigate hidden wind damage to doors and windows can help protect your home from potential long-term issues and maintain its value and comfort.
Prioritize Storm Damage Inspections
Severe storms in Texas can result in hidden wind damage to various components of residential properties, including roofs, exterior walls, foundations, soffit, fascia, doors, and windows. This hidden wind damage can lead to a range of issues such as water infiltration, mold growth, structural instability, energy inefficiency, and security risks if left un-repaired. Therefore, it's crucial for homeowners to prioritize post-storm inspections by qualified professionals to detect and address hidden wind damage promptly.
Are you concerned about hidden wind damage?
At Bishop Builders, we understand the unique challenges of storm damage in Texas and are here to help. We a storm damage renovation specialist in Dallas, Fort Worth, and North Texas.
We have experience and expertise in storm damage inspections and repairs, utilizing industry-leading techniques and materials to restore the integrity and functionality of your home. From thorough assessments to comprehensive repairs, we are committed to providing top-quality solutions that meet your specific needs.
Don't let hidden wind damage go unnoticed or untreated. Contact Bishop Builders today to schedule a storm damage inspection and ensure your home is protected against potential long-term issues. Trust us to be your reliable partner in restoring your home's safety, comfort, and value after a storm.
