Get Real: Check your home for storm damage

Posted by Beth Alois on February 6, 2013

It’s been another crazy season of weather with snow, rain and wind storms damaging houses throughout the Brandywine Valley. All home sellers should take a close look at their property for storm damage and make necessary repairs.

After any powerful storm, it’s a smart idea to check your roof for any damage and ensure there are no missing shingles and no cracks around any skylights.

Climb into your attic and look for discoloration of the decking or plywood surfaces. Look for light penetrating from around plumbing vents or the chimney; this indicates that the roof’s flashing should be repaired.

Next, clear your gutters of leaves and debris and inspect them for damage. Look for holes, cracks or sags; all three can be easily fixed by a homeowner. To fix a small hole, first use an abrasive pad to clean the area, then cut a piece of gutter material slightly larger than the hole. Using a stiff brush, spread gutter-repair compound around the hole and place your patch over the top. Cover the patch with another layer of compound to ensure a good seal. To repair minor sags, simply add a new hanging bracket to the sagging area or replace the compromised existing bracket.

Pay particular attention to areas of your home near trees and shrubs. Limbs can play havoc with your roof, siding and stucco in heavy winds, and can come crashing down under the weight of snow or ice.

Finally, be sure to inspect your windows, fencing and decking which also take a beating in storms. Seal and repair any damage.

If you are not comfortable with making repairs yourself, ask your Realtor for a list of local companies that can do the work.

Sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. By making quick repairs you can help ensure your home is safe, sound and ready for sale. You will end up with fewer problems when your buyer orders inspections. In general there will be smoother sailing to settlement.

* Beth Alois and Jim DeFrank can be reached at 610-388-3700. Prudential Fox and Roach, REALTORS is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.