School has officially started, which means crazy schedules, football season, and eventually fall weather. If you live in Louisiana, you already know fall is a state of mind until Halloween. However, fall in Louisiana usually consists of hurricanes, cool fronts and heat waves, and flooding in some areas. Since we have had another hurricane recently, some of our checks this month may be repeats. We want to make sure you find and fix the damage before it becomes a major issue in the coming months.

1. Assess Structural Damage

When everything is over, begin assessing your home for structural damage. If there is any notable damage to the home’s structure, immediately turn off utilities to the home until you begin checking for specific damages. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call for help. If the structure looks acceptable from the outside and there’s no noticeable gas leak, begin inspecting the interior spaces of your home. Watch out for broken glass and debris. Use a stick or long-handled tool, instead of your bare hands, to sift through the debris and help make a safer path.

2. Take Pictures of EVERYTHING!

As soon as you can venture into your home, make sure you take pictures of everything before you do anything. Insurance companies will require images of all damage, structural and personal, for reimbursement. It may take insurance companies a few days to send out someone to inspect the damage and if you begin cleaning up personal items, you risk missing something that could be reimbursed. Take pictures of all walls, floors, ceiling (even if you do not see damage), all furniture, etc. If you have everything cataloged before the disaster, check off the damage to make it easier to submit for claims.

3. Invest in a Generator

It is common for Louisiana residents to experience power outages from hurricanes, tornados, storms, and winter weather. Most do not have a generator or feel they do not need one until they find themselves without power. Don’t wait until after an outage to search for a generator because most retailers will be out of stock due to demand. You can find short-term generators or invest in a whole-home generator as an alternative power supply. Being without power means no AC or lights, you’re risking frozen food storage loss, and no way to cook food if you rely solely on electricity. And remember, NEVER run your fuel-powered generator indoors. Keep it outside in a well-ventilated area to prevent toxic fumes from building up and making you and your family sick.

4. Roof Inspection

After every hurricane or major storm, we advise checking your roof for damage. Flying debris and hail can puncture old shingles or cause issues for roof accessories. If you can and the house is structurally safe, get on the roof and check for holes, shifted or missing shingles, missing or damaged roof accessories. Take pictures of all damage, and if possible, cover the damage with a tarp to prevent future water damage to your attic and ceiling.

5. Inspect Your Chimney

If you notice there’s debris in your furnace or fireplace, or there’s brick debris around your chimney or on the roof, you may need to call in a professional to fix the damage. Damage to the chimney can cause issues, such as carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases leaking into your home and smoke not being able to properly ventilate out of the fireplace. You would also be at risk for chimney fires and other issues that come from a deteriorating fireplace.

6. Clean and Inspect Your Gutters

Intense winds can cause damage to your gutters. They can become blocked with debris, causing an overflow of water that can cause mold and other damage to your fascia and even your roof. Heavy gutters can become dislodged from the home and become a safety hazard. Proper gutter drainage can prevent an accumulation of water around your foundation, decreasing foundation and structural issues. And don’t forget, excess water buildup becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos, termites, and other pests, as well as, mold and mildew damage.

7. Check Your Windows and Doors

Windows and doors tend to take a knocking when it comes to heavy wind and rain. Whether it’s flying debris or it’s the harsh wind and rain, check your windows and doors for cracks in the glass, dents in the frames, tears in the screens, and more. If flooding is involved, rust may be a factor to watch out for. Clouding in the windows shows the window seals are leaking or the glass is cracked. If you notice your screens are damaged and the frames are in good condition, they can be fixed.

8. Check Your AC Unit

AC units can receive a good amount of bad weather and come out just fine. However, we have seen AC units take a beating from flood damage and intense wind/debris that we feel it warrants a check. If you noticed the AC unit has moved from its usual spot, is not running effectively, or has been covered in debris/has physical dents, have a professional double-check for any major damage. At the very least, catching things early can prevent the discomfort of not having a working AC unit in Louisiana heat.

9. Check Electrical Outlets and Switches

Hurricanes, storms, and flooding can create electrical problems in your home. If you have lost power recently, check your electrical outlets again. If you notice something is not working properly, have an electrician check your fuses and wiring for damage. It may be a simple fix, such as replacing an item, or something more complex. Keep your home and your family safe by preventing electrical fires.

10. Clean and Inspect Your Walkways and Driveways

Damage to your walkways and driveways can be hazardous. Fallen limbs and flooding are big culprits. If you have had trees or limbs fall on your walkways, you may have damage that requires concrete or stones to be replaced. If there has been water sitting on the path, remove the water and clean the path as best as possible. Stone has cleaning requirements to prevent mildew, which can create a slipping hazard. Spray for weeds around the cracks to prevent further separation and consider having the cracks repaired if the damage is too great.

If you have any issues arise from the storms that come through, please do not hesitate to call our team at (318) 325-0555 for a complimentary estimate. We want you and your family to be comfortable, happy, and healthy in your own home. You can visit us at our showroom at 304 Downing Pines Rd, West Monroe, LA .

September Home Improvement Checklist & Tips