Central NY Homeowner Guide
Storm Season
Post-Storm Home Inspection Checklist: What to Check After Snow, Ice, or High Winds
Storm damage isn’t always obvious. Use this safe, ground-level checklist to spot early warning signs on your roof, gutters, siding, and interior—before small issues become expensive repairs.
Quick Start: Safety First
Do this before inspecting anything:
Avoid ladders and roofs when snow/ice is present. A safe ground-level walk-around can reveal most early warning signs.
The 7-Point Post-Storm Checklist
1
Gutters (canaletas)
Look for sagging, separation from fascia, bent joints, or heavy icicle lines.
Look for sagging, separation from fascia, bent joints, or heavy icicle lines.
- Gutters pulling away or tilting
- Open seams at corners/joints
- Ice blocks or long icicles along edges
2
Downspouts (bajantes)
Check for disconnections, clogs, or discharge too close to the foundation.
Check for disconnections, clogs, or discharge too close to the foundation.
- Downspout detached or crushed
- Overflow during melt cycles
- Pooling water near the base of the home
3
Ice dams warning signs
Large icicles along the roof edge can signal ice dams.
Large icicles along the roof edge can signal ice dams.
- Heavy icicles concentrated at eaves
- Drips near exterior walls during thaw
4
Roof (from the ground)
Scan the roofline for missing, lifted, or curled shingles and uneven ridges.
Scan the roofline for missing, lifted, or curled shingles and uneven ridges.
- Shingles out of pattern or missing
- Ridge caps uneven
- Dark patches that weren’t there before
5
Flashing & penetrations
Leaks often start where materials meet: chimneys, vents, valleys, and edges.
Leaks often start where materials meet: chimneys, vents, valleys, and edges.
- Loose metal flashing
- Gaps around vents/pipe boots
- Valley debris or shifting
6
Siding & exterior trim
High winds can loosen panels and open seams.
High winds can loosen panels and open seams.
- Loose corners/edges
- Panels bowed or rattling
- Trim gaps around windows/doors
7
Interior warning signs
Check ceilings and upper walls for stains, bubbling paint, or damp smells.
Check ceilings and upper walls for stains, bubbling paint, or damp smells.
- Ceiling stains near exterior walls
- Peeling paint / soft drywall
- Musty odor in attic/top floor
When to schedule a professional inspection
If you see interior moisture, sagging gutters, missing shingles, or loose siding, it’s smart to inspect early.
Tip: You can safely take wide photos from the ground to document anything suspicious.
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Tip: If it’s unsafe (ice, fallen branches, active leaks), stay off ladders and call us first.