Unseen Perils that can damage your roof or building stonework
Storms, with their powerful winds, torrential rains, and sometimes devastating elements like hail and debris, pose an immediate and visible threat to buildings. However, the damage caused by storms is not always evident at first glance. Beyond the visible destruction lies a hidden realm of potential issues that can compromise the structural integrity of a building. Let’s explore how storms can create damage to a building that the eye can’t see, emphasising the importance of thorough post-storm inspections and preventive measures.
Water Intrusion and Moisture Damage
One of the most insidious ways storms can harm a building is through water intrusion. While the exterior may appear intact, wind-driven rain can find its way into even the tiniest vulnerabilities, such as gaps around windows, damaged roof shingles, or compromised seals. Over time, this moisture can lead to mould growth, rotting wood, and corrosion of metal components, all of which can weaken the structure and pose health hazards to occupants.
Wind Forces and Structural Stress
High winds during storms can exert tremendous forces on a building’s structure. While the exterior may seem unscathed, the internal components, such as framing, joints, and connections, may experience stress and fatigue. Over time, this can lead to weakened structural elements, potentially resulting in catastrophic failures during subsequent storms or even normal weather conditions.
Impact on Foundations
Storms can also impact the foundation of a building, causing damage that may go unnoticed. Excessive rainfall can saturate the soil around a foundation, leading to soil erosion or shifting. This can compromise the stability of the foundation, causing cracks or settlement issues that may not be immediately visible. Over time, these problems can escalate, affecting the entire structure.
Hidden Roof Damage
Roofs bear the brunt of a storm’s force, and while missing shingles or obvious damage may be apparent, hidden issues can still persist. Storms can weaken the roof’s underlayment or decking, and the accumulation of water in hidden spaces can lead to structural degradation. Over time, this can result in leaks, mould growth, and compromised insulation, impacting both the building’s integrity and energy efficiency.
Electrical System Complications
Storms can cause power outages and damage lightning protection systems, but even after the lights come back on, electrical systems may be compromised. Water infiltration during a storm can damage wiring, outlets, and electrical panels, posing a fire hazard. Undetected electrical issues can lead to malfunctions, short circuits, or even electrical fires, putting the entire building at risk.
While the visible aftermath of a storm is often the most immediate concern, the hidden damage to a building can be just as destructive, if not more so. Building owners, homeowners, and property managers must prioritise thorough post-storm inspections to identify and address hidden issues promptly.
Drone Building Inspections are an incredibly versatile, fast responding and cost effective solution to conduct visual inspection of a buildings roofing structure and building stonework and brickwork. Using thermal imaging, drone surveys can highlight issues that the human eye can’t see meaning you can get your property repaired quicker and for a lot less than if the damage is allowed to grow.
Regular maintenance and preventive measures, such as reinforcing vulnerable areas and ensuring proper drainage, can go a long way in safeguarding buildings from the unseen perils that storms bring. By understanding the potential hidden impacts of storms, we can better protect our structures and create more resilient communities in the face of nature’s unpredictable forces.
