9 Ways Your Home Can Be Infiltrated in a Storm

Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary – a shelter in the storm. But all too often a blizzard, flood or other severe weather event can penetrate that sanctuary. At Paul Davis Restoration & Emergency Services of Woodbury & St. Paul we’ve seen even sturdy, well-maintained properties sustain serious damage as a result of stormy weather. And we’re not just talking about rain and snowstorms. This could be a windstorm tearing through Woodbury or a firestorm that occurs as a result of downed power lines from that windstorm. Once a home is opened to the elements, things rapidly get worse. That’s why it’s so important to repair storm-related damage ASAP. Here’s a list of the most common ways your home can be infiltrated by the outside world in a storm…and what to do about it! 

1. Falling Trees - In a windstorm or a tornado, trees are often unavoidable casualties. A heavy tree limb or an entire uprooted sapling can pierce through a roof with enough force to reach all the way into the attic. Pine trees are ubiquitous in this region, and even a pine’s smaller branches can damage shingles – leading to insidious leaks that develop slowly over time. Either way, you can end up with mold in your attic insulation. Limit your home’s risk of tree damage by keeping branches trimmed at least 3 feet away from your roof.

2. Broken Windows - You may have heard that the sudden drop in air
pressure during a hurricane can cause windows to explode. That’s a dramatic idea, but flying debris is the usual culprit when your windows end up broken in a storm. Golf ball-sized hail that’s driven sideways by the wind can also crack your windows. Even if a window isn’t broken, the seal around the window may be damaged by severe weather. This makes windows a prime entry point for moisture that leads to mildew.

3. Busted Pipes - If you live up in Minnesota or other northern states, you probably know what it’s like to have a blizzard bust your pipes.  It’s too darn cold to air out the house and you can’t necessarily get a plumber to your home in the middle of a snowstorm. The best you can do is turn off the water and try to soak up any standing puddles. Areas of carpeting are at special risk since they absorb water into the carpet fibers and padding. If the pipe bursts inside a wall, that’s even worse since you can do little to remedy the situation. A plumber
can fix the leak, but that doesn’t repair the water damage that’s already been
done. That’s why it’s so important to call a restoration firm as well as a
plumber after a pipe leak. 

4. Scared Rodents - People and pets aren’t the only ones seeking a safe place to hide in a hurricane or a blizzard. Birds, raccoons, mice, squirrels and rats may all be looking for ways into your home during a storm.  An improperly maintained chimney or a missing fascia vent is all they need to infiltrate your attic. Once they move down into your walls, you’re in real trouble. The sooner you get them cleared out (along with their droppings and nesting materials), the better. Remember, these critters are just as comfortable in a big city like Minneapolis as they are in rural Minnesota & Wisconsin.  So, don’t assume you’re home is safe from vermin just because it’s in an urban area.

5. Backed Up Sewers - This is by far the nastiest storm disaster. Torrential rains, hurricanes and spring flooding are all culprits in overloading or blocking storm drains and sewer systems. Mold isn’t the only problem you have to worry about when you get sewage backup in your home. Untreated water is often teeming with bacteria. If a sewer in your neighborhood is backed up,
immediately plug up all your drains (including the toilet). These are the prime entry points for sewage infiltration. Should your home become contaminated by sewage, it’s important to call a qualified restoration professional. Paul Davis Restoration & Emergency Services of Woodbury & St. Paul can help!

6. Rising Waters - Coastal regions, the Great Lakes and low-lying areas along the Mississippi and the St. Croix rivers are frequent sites of storm-related flooding. Rising waters from a flash flood make a big splash (no pun intended), but a rising water table underground can also cause flooding in your basement. Pay attention to the total amount of rainfall and snowmelt occurring in your area to gauge your risk for flooding. Use the National Weather Service website to check for flash flood warnings in your area. 

7. High Winds - In the most extreme winds, your shingles may achieve lift off. This doesn’t just happen during hurricanes. Incorrect installation (particularly the placement of nails) is a common cause of asphalt shingle loss during high winds. Check your roof after a windstorm, paying close attention to the edges of the roofline where shingles are most vulnerable.

8. Muddy Footprints - Sometimes, the one bringing the stormy mess inside is you! Sometimes it’s hard not to track wet soil indoors when it’s everywhere…that’s why so many families in [Ohio] have mud rooms. If you do end up with sludge in your house, get a professional to look at the dirty areas. Some soils contain lots of iron, which causes staining. Other kinds of dirt are filled with grit, which can tear up your carpets if you let it get ground in. Correct cleanup from mud damage will depend on what type of soil you have in your area. 

9. Clogged Gutters - As winter wanes you may have periods of warm weather. Of course, it could be followed by cold weather! The cycle of warm-cold-warm-cold can cause ice dams. Ice dams are formed when melting ice clogs up gutters and then refreezes when the weather turns cold. Any excess water that melts
behind the dams has nowhere to go and backs up under shingles, into attics and walls. To prevent ice dams make sure your gutters are clean of leaves and twigs. If safe, remove any snow and ice from them before they cause damage.

Paul Davis Restoration & Emergency Services of Woodbury & St. Paul proudly serves the Twin Cities Metro and Wester Wisconsin.