3 Ways to Fix Your Home after Storm Damage

Oklahoma Storm Damage: A Guide to Post-Storm Evaluations

Storm season is upon us in Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma City Metro area is no stranger to the looming threat of severe weather. In the fallout after a severe weather event, it can be difficult to know where to start assessing the potential damage your home has incurred. In this article we hope to calm the nerves of confusion and provide actionable areas you should begin assessing after the weather has cleared. Let’s dive in to untangling Oklahoma Storm Damage.

1. Hail Damage

• Roof and Gutter Damage: The first and most obvious area to assess for damage is your roof and gutters. Damage to the roof and gutters can cause leaks to occur within the home, as well as increase the potential for mold to form.
  
• HVAC Condenser: The heart of your home’s cooling system is susceptible to damage during a hailstorm. Hail or high winds during severe weather events may have damaged the condenser coil or refrigerant lines, causing a leak within the refrigerant system, and ultimately rendering your system inoperative.
  
• Windows: After a hail and high wind storm your windows may have obvious damage like cracks or chips. Even if there is no visible damage to the window itself, you should check the weather stripping around the glass for leaks.  
  
• Garage Doors: Most garage doors are made of Aluminum, Tin, Steel, or Vinyl making them easy targets when it comes to hail and high winds. After the storm has passed, assess the door for physical damage and make sure that the door panels are still on their tracks.

2. Carbon Monoxide Exposure

• Hail an high wind events can damage, or dislodge the flue pipe attached to your furnace or water heater entirely. After any severe weather event it’s a good idea to have your flue pipes checked to avoid carbon monoxide leaks within the home.

3. Power Surges

• With hail and high wind comes power flashes and power surges. You should connect every high-value appliance in your home to a surge protector.
  
• A single appliance surge protector can protect your HVAC System, Electric Water Heater, or Garage Door.
  
• Whole home surge protectors’ range in price from $850-$1,100. Surge Protectors are hooked directly to your homes breaker panel, they protect every appliance hooked to your homes electrical system. Single appliance surge protectors’ range in price from $350- $500.
  
• Applies to HVAC, electric water heaters, washer and dryer, garage door and large electric appliances.

Conclusion

As Oklahoma Storm Damage likelihood increases across the state, be prepared for the damage severe weather can inflict. From hailstorms to high winds, severe weather events can leave a trail of destruction in their wake. By understanding severe weather damage you can take proactive measures to assess and mitigate risks. This will minimize the impact on your property and your family. 

By focusing on key areas such as roof and gutter damage, HVAC systems, windows, garage doors, and carbon monoxide exposure, homeowners can identify potential issues early and take steps to address them promptly. Investing in surge protectors for high-dollar appliances can help safeguard against power surges and prevent costly damage to electrical systems. 

Remember, safety should always be the top priority during and after severe weather events. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure or damage to your home, we encourage you to seek professional assistance.  

Stay safe, stay informed, and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. 

About Yarbrough & Sons Heating, Cooling & Plumbing: Yarbrough & Sons has been serving Oklahoma City since 1988, providing top-notch home comfort solutions. With over 450 years of combined experience, our family-owned business is dedicated to quality, comfort, and caring for our community. Trust us for all your HVAC needs.