The short answer
Types of Storm Damage
Storm damage comes from several forces. Wind can tear off shingles, damage siding, or topple trees onto your home. Rain can push water through gaps, causing leaks in roofs, walls, and foundations. Hail can dent metal roofs, break windows, and damage gutters.
Lightning can start fires or fry electrical systems. Flying debris can smash glass and puncture exteriors. Flooding from heavy rain or storm surge can soak drywall, flooring, and personal belongings. Each type leaves distinct signs, from water stains to structural cracks.
Some damage is obvious right away, like a broken window or a fallen limb. Other damage hides behind walls or under floors, so a thorough check is wise. Look for wet spots, musty odors, or warped materials that signal hidden water intrusion.
- Wind damage to roof, siding, or gutters
- Water intrusion from rain through roof or windows
- Hail damage to roofing, windows, or metal surfaces
- Fallen trees or large branches hitting your home
- Flooding that soaks floors, walls, or belongings
- Lightning strikes causing fire or electrical damage
What Does Not Count
Storm damage is sudden and accidental, not gradual. A roof that leaks because shingles wore out over years is a maintenance issue, not storm damage. Similarly, a foundation crack that slowly widens from soil movement is not storm-related. Your insurer looks for a direct link between the storm and the damage.
If a storm merely worsens an existing problem, coverage may be limited. For example, water seeping through a crack that was already there might not qualify. Document the condition of your home before a storm, if you can, to help show what is new.
How to Document Storm Damage
Documenting damage right after a storm helps your claim. Take photos and videos of every affected area, including close-ups and wide shots. Note the date and time of the storm, and list each item that was damaged. Save receipts for any temporary repairs you make, like tarping a roof.
Do not throw away damaged belongings until your insurer has seen them. Keep samples of carpet or fabric if possible. Write down a detailed description of what happened, from the storm's start to when you discovered the damage. This record makes the process smoother.
If you live in Mesa, keep your insurance documents and home inventory in a safe place. That way you can access them quickly after a storm. A written inventory of your belongings, with photos, helps prove what you lost.
Immediate Steps After a Storm
Act quickly to prevent more damage. Move valuables away from leaks, and place buckets under drips. Tarp a damaged roof if you can do so safely, and board up broken windows. These temporary measures protect your home and show your insurer you took reasonable steps.
Turn off the power if water has reached electrical outlets or appliances. Avoid standing water if you suspect downed power lines. See a doctor if you feel unwell after cleanup, especially if you breathed in mold or chemicals. Your safety comes first.
Call a plumber or electrician if you need help shutting off utilities. Do not enter a room with sagging ceilings or structural damage. Wait for professionals to assess the stability of your home before you move around too much.
- Turn off water and electricity if safe
- Move furniture away from wet areas
- Tarp roof holes and board broken windows
- Photograph everything before cleanup
- Save receipts for temporary repairs
- Avoid contact with floodwater
When to Call the Pros
Some storm damage is too big for a homeowner to handle safely. Water that soaked into drywall, insulation, or wood can lead to mold if not dried properly. Structural damage, like a shifted wall or compromised roof, needs a professional eye. Local water damage pros can assess the extent and begin cleanup.
A water damage inspection helps find hidden moisture that you cannot see. Professionals use tools to detect dampness in walls and under floors. They can also document damage for your insurance claim, which speeds up the process.
If you have significant flooding, flood damage cleanup involves removing water, drying materials, and sanitizing. Mold can start within 24 to 48 hours, so acting fast is key. The pros have the equipment and experience to handle large-scale drying and removal.
- Hidden moisture in walls or floors
- Sagging ceilings or warped wood
- Standing water that is deep or contaminated
- Electrical hazards near water
- Mold growth or musty odors
- Structural cracks or shifting
Talk to someone now
Call (480) 898-4279 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
Does storm damage include damage from a fallen tree?
Yes, if a tree falls on your home during a storm, the damage to your house is typically covered. Damage to the tree itself is usually not covered. Check your policy for details, as coverage varies.
What if I notice water stains weeks after a storm?
You may still have storm damage, but it is harder to prove. Document the stain and take photos. A water damage inspection can trace the source and show whether the leak started during the storm. Act quickly to prevent mold.
How do I know if my roof damage is from a storm or old age?
Look for signs like missing shingles, dents from hail, or a single large leak. Old age usually shows as widespread wear, curling, or granule loss. A professional assessment can help determine the cause, which affects your claim.