As Hurricane Helene moves through the Southeast, inland areas like Hickory and Charlotte are still at risk of severe wind and hail damage. While we may not experience the storm surge common to coastal regions, the aftermath of hurricanes can still leave homeowners dealing with serious problems like roof damage, leaks, and water intrusion.
At Roof Worx, we’re here to help homeowners assess and repair damage caused by these storms. Whether it’s through a free roof inspection or guidance on how to prepare for future storms, we want to make sure your home is protected.
How Inland Damage Differs from Coastal Damage
Unlike coastal areas, which often deal with immediate threats like storm surge, flooding, and high-speed hurricane-force winds, inland areas like Hickory and Charlotte face different challenges. Strong winds, hail, and flying debris can cause significant damage to roofs, gutters, and windows. Wind speeds may be lower than on the coast, but straight-line winds can tear off shingles, while hail can dent or crack them.
One key difference for inland homeowners is that damage doesn’t always appear immediately. Sometimes, a roof damaged by wind or hail may not start leaking for weeks or even months. This gives homeowners in our area a bit more time to react compared to coastal residents, but it also means that hidden damage can worsen over time if not addressed. It’s crucial to take advantage of this window to assess your home before more problems arise.
Local Resources to Stay Updated on Storms
To stay informed about storm updates and potential damage reports in the Hickory and Charlotte areas, we recommend checking out these three local news sources:
- WSOC-TV (Channel 9) – Charlotte’s leading news station provides up-to-the-minute coverage of severe weather events and offers live updates, emergency alerts, and storm tracking specific to the region.
- Hickory Daily Record – A trusted news outlet for Hickory, the Daily Record often provides detailed reports on storm impacts and community updates related to local damage and recovery.
- WCNC Charlotte – WCNC offers in-depth storm coverage, including interactive maps and live updates, helping homeowners stay informed about changing weather patterns and potential risks.
Free Roof Inspections from Roof Worx
Once the storm has passed, it’s important to assess your roof for any potential damage, even if you don’t see immediate signs like missing shingles or leaks. At Roof Worx, we offer free roof inspections to help you catch issues before they become major problems. Our expert team will assess your roof for signs of wind or hail damage, even if they aren’t immediately visible.
Roof damage from hurricanes can be sneaky—what looks like a minor crack or tear could develop into a serious leak in the coming weeks or months. By scheduling a free inspection, you can rest easy knowing that your roof is in good hands.
Common Hurricane Prep for Inland Homeowners
Although inland areas won’t face the threat of storm surge, we still need to be prepared for heavy rain, wind, and hail. Here are some simple and affordable hurricane prep steps homeowners in Hickory and Charlotte can take:
- Secure outdoor items: High winds can turn patio furniture, grills, and garden tools into projectiles. Make sure all outdoor items are secured or brought inside.
- Trim trees and shrubs: Overhanging branches can easily break during storms, causing damage to your roof, windows, or siding. Trim trees and shrubs to reduce this risk.
- Check and clear gutters: Make sure your gutters are clear of debris to allow water to flow away from your home properly. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage and foundation problems.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Power outages are common during storms, so have a basic emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and bottled water.
- Seal windows and doors: Ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent water from seeping in during the storm. A quick application of weatherproofing tape can make a big difference.
- Review insurance policies: Make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers wind and hail damage, and familiarize yourself with the claims process before a storm hits.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
As Helene moves through the Southeast, it’s essential to be proactive about protecting your home from potential damage. At Roof Worx, we’re dedicated to helping our community weather the storm, whether through inspections, repairs, or helpful advice on storm preparedness.
If you’ve experienced high winds or hail in the Hickory or Charlotte area, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free roof inspection. We’ll ensure your roof is in good condition, and if we find any issues, we’ll provide expert guidance on the best steps to take.
Stay safe, stay informed, and let Roof Worx handle your storm-related roofing needs.
