Post-Storm Home Checks: What to Inspect in Devon

Devon gets proper storms. After one passes, a quick inspection can catch problems before they cause serious damage - or reassure you that everything's fine.

Immediate Safety

Before You Start

Don't inspect if:

• Storm is still active
• There's visible structural damage
• Power lines are down anywhere near
• Flooding is present

Call professionals first if:

• Gas smell (National Grid: 0800 111 999)
• Electrical sparking or damage
• Major structural concerns
• Significant water ingress

The Inspection Route

1. Walk Around the Exterior

From ground level, look for:

Roof:

• Missing or slipped tiles/slates
• Ridge tiles out of place
• Flashing lifted
• Visible debris on roof
• Anything that's not meant to be there

Walls:

• Cracks (especially new ones)
• Render damage
• Dislodged pointing
• Impact damage from debris

Gutters and Downpipes:

• Still attached?
• Obvious blockages
• Joints pulled apart
• Overflow staining below

Fences and Boundaries:

• Panels down
• Posts leaning
• Gates damaged

Trees:

• Branches down
• Trees leaning that weren't before
• Visible root lifting
• Limbs hanging dangerously

---

2. Check the Loft

Go up and look for:

Daylight:

• Any gaps you can see through?
• Light around edges, vents, chimney area

Water:

• Fresh water stains
• Active drips
• Damp insulation
• Pools on surfaces

Structure:

• Anything moved or displaced
• Roof timbers intact
• No obvious damage

Note: Many problems only show after rain has stopped. Check again after 24 hours.

---

3. Interior Check

Walk each room looking for:

Ceilings:

• New water stains
• Bubbling or sagging
• Cracks

Walls:

• Damp patches
• New cracks (especially at window/door corners)
• Discolouration

Windows and Doors:

• Gaps or draughts that weren't there
• Hard to open/close
• Water on sills

Services:

• Heating working?
• Hot water working?
• All electrics functioning?

---

4. Garden and Outbuildings

Check:

Shed/Garage:

• Doors still work
• Roof intact
• Contents dry

Patio and Paths:

• Lifted slabs
• Flooding/pooling
• Debris

Outdoor Items:

• Garden furniture
• Bins
• Anything that was left out

---

What to Do With What You Find

Urgent Action Needed

Finding	Action
Water actively entering	Contain, temporary cover, call roofer
Electrical damage	Switch off at consumer unit, call electrician
Gas smell	Evacuate, call National Grid
Structural movement	Don't enter affected area, call surveyor
Tree on structure	Don't touch, call tree surgeon

Soon Action Needed

Finding	Action
Missing tiles (few)	Get roofer quote, temporary patch if accessible
Fence panels down	Secure area, arrange repair
Minor gutter damage	Arrange repair before next rain
Blocked drains	Clear or arrange clearing

Monitor

Finding	Action
Minor cracks	Photograph, monitor for changes
Slight damp	Watch for worsening
Neighbour's tree damage	Check if affecting your property

---

Documentation

Photograph Everything

For insurance:

• Wide shots showing context
• Close-ups of specific damage
• Multiple angles
• Include date somehow (newspaper in shot, or phone metadata)

Take photos of:

• Any damage, however minor
• The general state before repairs
• Your own possessions if damaged
• Neighbours' property if relevant

Written Notes

Record:

• Date and time of storm
• What you found
• When you found it
• Any immediate actions taken
• Who you've called

---

Insurance Considerations

Standard Cover Usually Includes

• Storm damage to structure
• Fence damage (check policy)
• Contents damaged by water ingress
• Emergency temporary repairs

May Not Be Covered

• Pre-existing maintenance issues worsened by storm
• Damage to items outside
• Garden plants and trees
• Flood damage (usually separate)

Making a Claim

1. Document damage thoroughly
2. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
3. Keep receipts for emergency work
4. Don't dispose of damaged items until insurer advises
5. Get repair quotes
6. Submit claim promptly

---

Common Devon Storm Damage

Most Frequent

1. Fence panels - Easy fix, common problem
2. Loose/slipped tiles - Need prompt attention
3. Gutter damage - Often pulled away
4. Minor roof damage - Flashing, ridge tiles
5. Blocked drains - Debris accumulation

Occasional

• Chimney pot damage
• Fallen branches on structures
• Flooding from overwhelmed drainage
• Aerial/satellite dish displacement

Rare but Serious

• Structural damage
• Complete roof failure
• Tree falling on property
• Major water ingress

---

When to Call a Professional

Roofer

• Any suspected roof damage
• Missing or slipped tiles
• Flashing problems
• Water coming in from above

Tree Surgeon

• Hanging branches
• Leaning trees
• Trees touching power lines (call power company first)
• Large debris to remove

Builder/Surveyor

• Structural concerns
• Significant cracks
• Movement or shifting

Handyman (That's Me)

• Fence repairs
• Minor exterior work
• Clearing debris
• Temporary measures
• General assessment

---

Temporary Fixes While Waiting

Tarpaulin Over Roof Damage

If you can safely access:

• Weight down edges with timber or sandbags
• Don't stand on tarp
• Get proper repair ASAP

Fence Secured

• Prop with timber
• Tie to posts
• Secure to prevent further damage

Water Ingress

• Buckets under active leaks
• Towels to absorb
• Move belongings away from affected areas

---

Post-Storm Checklist

Immediate:

• ☐ Exterior visual check
• ☐ Loft inspection
• ☐ Interior room-by-room
• ☐ Garden and outbuildings
• ☐ Document all damage

Within 24-48 Hours:

• ☐ Follow-up check after rain
• ☐ Contact insurance if needed
• ☐ Arrange urgent repairs
• ☐ Secure any temporary measures

Within a Week:

• ☐ Get quotes for repairs
• ☐ Submit insurance claim
• ☐ Schedule repair work
• ☐ Review for anything missed

---

Storm damage needing attention? I help with post-storm repairs across Exeter - fences, minor roof work support, clearance, and general repairs. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.