Once the hurricane is passed, there is lots of work to be done; it may even seem like the list of necessary chores gets longer with each day. There really will be an end even though there are many things to accomplish. It might help to think of it like a rather large home remodeling project and attack it a piece at a time until it is completed. There are several things that need to be done in order to get the exterior portions of the house back up to par after the hurricane.
Check Out the Roof
One of the best places to start with post hurricane home remodeling or improvement projects is the roof. You can start at the top and then work your way down. If the roof is exceptionally high or too steep, it can be inspected using a pair of binoculars. If it is safe enough you may be able to get on the roof where you can closely inspect the valleys where the planes of the roof intersect. Make sure to check out the vent stacks, chimney and any flashing. You are looking for items that are loose or missing. For any shingles or other roofing material that is missing you can cover the area with roofing cement until they can be replaced. Roofing cement or a tarp can prevent water from getting in through the roof. A roofing contractor can replace any missing shingles when needed.
Downspouts and Gutters
It is highly likely that you cleaned the gutters out good to get ready for the hurricane, but they have likely filled back up with debris that needs to be cleaned out. Any gutters that are hanging down will eventually go ahead and swing out loose so it is important to fix it before more damage is done. A gutter that is barely hanging on can swing through a window or fall onto a car and increase storm related damages. Straighten out and repair any areas that have been damaged by the high winds or rains and replace any pieces that cannot be repaired. Once the roof and gutters are repaired, the home will begin to have a much better overall look. It does not take too long to reattach gutters to the home. This should be done before any house painting begins.
House Painting
It may be awhile before it is dry enough for you to consider house painting. The driving wind and rain can really take a toll on the exterior of the home and when the moisture levels rise, there can be many other problems too. It is very important to ensure that there is not any mold or mildew growing on the exterior portions of the house before you begin the repainting project. The exterior of the home will need to be washed carefully to remove any debris or dirt that has collected on the surface after the storm. If it is possible, use a pressure washer to get the exterior of the house cleaned. If there was any floodwater it is best to use an anti-microbial on siding or other exterior portions of the home. Once it is clean allow it to dry thoroughly. Once it is completely dry it is safe to finish your house painting project.
Cleaning the Yard
One of the primary things that can detract from the aesthetic appearance of the house is a cluttered up yard. Always wear gloves when handling trash and debris that came in contact with flood waters. Small limbs and debris can be picked up and discarded. Larger limbs or trees should be cleared away by a professional licensed contractor.