Severe storms can strike at any time in the Minneapolis area. Storms have the potential to leave you without electricity, cause flooding, and do substantial damage to your roof and home exterior. To minimize the inconvenience and damage storms can cause, it’s best to be prepared and know what to do before, during, and after a storm strikes your area. We at Welter Construction would like to assist you with a checklist on storm supplies, keeping your home exterior ready for a storm, and what to do after a severe storm regarding damage or possible damage to your home.

CHECKLIST OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

The following is a checklist of must-have supplies to have on hand before a storm strikes.

  • Prescription medications: Make sure you always have at least a one-week supply of prescription medications.
  • Batteries: Keep plenty of batteries on hand for flashlights and a radio.
  • Can opener: A manual can opener will come in handy if there is no electricity.
  • Flashlights: Have enough flashlights for every member of your household.
  • First-aid kit: Purchase a first-aid kit and make sure it is always stocked.
  • Pet food: Keep enough canned pet food to last a few weeks.
  • Portable radio: Get a battery-operated portable radio.
  • Generator and fuel: A generator can supply you emergency power. Keep fuel for the generator on hand.

BEFORE STORM ARRIVES

Before a severe storm arrives, you want to make sure you have all the essentials you might need during and after a storm.

  • Food and water: Stock up on non-perishable foods, such as canned food. Have plenty of bottled water to last a week or more.
  • Power outage: Save the number to your power company in your cell phone. Report a power outage as soon as it occurs.
  • Housing: Make a plan for alternate housing in the event your home becomes uninhabitable due to flooding or a severe roof damage.
  • Automobiles: Fuel up all of your automobiles.
  • Cell phones: Fully charge your cell phones.

KEEP TREE LIMBS CUT BACK FROM ROOF

Large trees are beautiful and bring life to a property. However, large trees and tree limbs can pose a threat to your roof during a storm if they are too close to your roof and home. Keeping tree limbs cut back from your home’s roof can save you a major expense and headache. If any tree limbs pose a risk of falling on your roof because they are diseased or rotting, they should be removed.

ANNUAL ROOF INSPECTION

The purpose of a roof inspection is to give you an estimate of how long it will be before your roof needs to be replaced. Further, a roof inspection by Welter Construction will show you the current condition of your roof and provide you with an estimate of any repairs that should be made. It’s important to take recommended roof repairs seriously to make sure your roof is prepared for daily exposure to the elements and to ensure your roof is prepared for a severe storm.

Your roof contains many parts to it in addition to the protective layer of shingles that you see. As part of a long-term storm preparation plan, Welter Construction looks for signs of water intrusion and inspects all parts of your roofing system including:

  • Decking: Check for soft spots.
  • Gutters: Gutters with sagging, rust, separated seams, or other damage should be repaired or replaced.
  • Vent pipe covers/boots: Look for signs of wear and damage.
  • Flashing: Rusted, damaged, or separated flashing should be repaired.
  • Mold: Mold and mildew in the attic is a sign of water intrusion.

AFTER THE STORM

In addition to an annual roof inspection, you should have your roof inspected following severe wind-driven storms and hail storms. If damage has occurred to your roof and home exterior, it is vital to repair the damage to minimize the possibility of additional damage and/or subsequent water damage.

If you need a roof inspection, roof repair, or storm damage restoration, call Welter Construction at (763) 294-8099 for all your roofing and home exterior needs!