The short answer
Assess Safety First
Before you touch anything, look for hazards. Strong winds can leave power lines down, tree limbs hanging, or glass shattered. If you see a downed wire or smell gas, leave the area and call the utility company or emergency services. Do not walk into a room with standing water near electrical outlets or appliances.
Check the structure itself. Look for sagging ceilings, cracked walls, or a roof that appears to dip. If the building looks unstable, stay out and wait for a professional inspection. Your safety matters more than saving belongings. Once you confirm it is safe to enter, you can start the cleanup process.
Stop Further Water Entry
Wind damage often comes with rain or hail, so water can keep getting in through broken windows, torn roofing, or gaps in siding. Your first job is to limit that. Cover broken windows with plywood or a tarp, and place buckets under active leaks. If you can safely reach the roof, a temporary tarp over a damaged section can help.
Inside, move furniture and valuables away from wet areas. If you have a wet-dry vacuum, you can remove standing water. Turn off the power to rooms with deep water. The faster you dry things out, the less chance mold and rot have to take hold.
Cover broken windows with plywood or plastic sheeting
Place buckets or containers under active roof leaks
Move furniture and rugs to a dry area
Use a wet-dry vacuum for shallow water
Open windows if the outside air is drier than inside
Run fans and dehumidifiers to speed drying
Document the Damage
Before you throw anything away, take photos and notes. Wind damage can affect your roof, siding, windows, and the inside of your walls. Clear photos of the broken areas, water stains, and any soaked belongings will help when you talk to your insurance company. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Write down the date and time the damage happened, and list what you can see. Keep receipts for any materials you buy for temporary repairs. This record helps you remember the scope of the damage later. It also gives the pros a clear picture of what they need to inspect.
Hire Local Water Damage Pros
Once you have the area safe and documented, call in local water damage pros. They can assess the full extent of the damage, including hidden moisture inside walls or under flooring. The work usually involves drying, removing damaged materials, and repairing the structure. They will also identify what needs to be replaced.
The pros will check for issues you might miss, like soaked insulation or corroded wiring. They can tell you what is salvageable and what must go. Their goal is to return your home to a dry, safe condition, though the exact steps depend on how severe the damage is. You can also ask them about preventing future wind damage.
Repair and Restore
After the drying and cleanup, the actual repair work begins. This can include replacing damaged roof shingles, fixing or replacing drywall, repairing door frames, or addressing water pipe breaks. Each job is different, so the pros will tailor their approach to your specific situation. They might also coordinate with other trades, like an electrician or a plumber, if needed.
The restoration process usually happens in stages. First, the pros remove anything unsalvageable. Then they dry and treat the area to prevent mold. Finally, they rebuild with new materials. The time it takes varies with the size of the damage and the weather. Ask the pros for a clear plan before they start.
Replace missing or damaged roof shingles
Repair or replace water-stained drywall
Fix broken window frames and seals
Reattach or replace loose siding
Repair interior water pipe breaks
Seal gaps to keep out future wind and rain
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rowlett and nearby communities.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How soon should I start wind repair?
Act quickly to limit water damage. Cover broken windows and leaks within hours if you can do so safely. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes. Call the pros as soon as you have the area secured and documented.
Can I do wind repair myself?
Small tasks like covering windows or drying a floor are fine. But structural repairs, roof work, and hidden moisture issues need a professional. The pros have the right tools and experience to do the job safely and thoroughly.
Will my insurance cover wind damage?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Wind and hail damage are often covered by standard homeowners policies, but check your specific plan. Document everything and talk to your insurance company early in the process.