Building Inspection Checklist After Storm
Nowadays, the weather is getting more unpredictable and what we can do is to prepare and prevent the worst case. Numerous houses with proper construction in Australia can handle moderate to strong winds which usually comes with the storm but it is not an excuse to ignore the regular home inspection. The stronger the wind hit the higher chances of the damage inflicted.
The wind produced by the storm comes with a force of speed from 88 to 130 kilometres per hour; could be more depends on the storm size; which can uproot big trees. We can imagine how debris and other light stuff are having a higher potential to be blown away and can inflict certain damage to the houses in the process.
Bear in mind that regular self-inspection of your house is a vital thing to do to ensure the safety of your family. Besides, it will save you cost from fixing the house that sustains heavy damage from the natural disaster. If you experienced a destructive natural event like a cyclone or storm, once the wind stops and ensure your family is safe, you should check your house or call the local building inspection service.
Here is some guidance on what you should check after your house hit by Storm.
1. Roof
Like the rest parts of your house, the roof should be checked regularly, an annual inspection to check for damaged parts such as cracks, broken and dislocated tiles. The inspection will help you to discover any build-up of dirt that block the drainage channels. If your house is more than ten years old, we can assume that the roof is not in prime condition, especially, if you have been neglected the regular inspection. Also, don’t forget to check on the ceiling condition that most likely affected. That’s why the building inspection service from the professional is needed.
After the storm goes by or stop, it can give a destructive domino effect to your house. If you leave it without doing any inspection, the damaged parts can slowly become a notable issue. Surely, we don’t want to put our family in danger and spend more for the reparation.
2. Home Utilities
After checking the roof, you need to inspect the home utilities that have something to do with electricity connections and gas lines. Why? Because home appliances like heater, ventilation, air-conditioning and gas are pivotal parts of the house that needs to be checked.
Electrical connections surrounding your house are likely to be cut because of the strong winds of the storm and it will be hazardous if the surrounding is wet.
Same goes with the gas lines, if there are gas lines or liquefied gas in your house, you need to be careful. The natural disaster can damage the cylinders and the control valves. Thus, it will be dangerous if you use it as it could lead to fire and explosion. That is why you should check if there is any leak on the pipelines.
Next utility you need to check is the plumbing. The extreme pressure of the storm can make the plumbing twisted and cracked. Thus, strongly advised to check it after the storm.
3. Doors and Windows
The massive flying debris such as rocks and tree branches can hit the windows and doors, causing severe damages. The window glass can be shattered easily by the 100 kilometres per hour winds. The damage like cracks and missing panes need to be repaired as soon as possible. For a temporary repairment, you can cover the cracks on the window with tape which will be enough for the time being until you do a proper repairment. Then, you need to check the frame and make sure it’s not loose.
For the doors, check if there is any damage at the frame and hinge. Cracks and warps need to be repaired as soon as possible too. Don’t forget to call professional building inspection service before the repairment to ensure no damaged part is missed.
Conclusion
Roof, utilities, doors and windows are some of the main building parts that you need to focus after the strong winds from the storm hit your house. You need to aware of any damage that happens, as it can affect your family’s health and safety negatively as well as decreasing the property’s value.
Self-inspection is needed as the first attempt to ensure your safety, however, better to call the professional of building inspection service for a proper check. Contact your local building inspection service that can give the assessment you need ASAP.