In late July, Matthews often experiences rapid weather changes, with storms developing within minutes. While the mature tree canopy adds beauty to older neighborhoods, it also increases the risk of storm damage. Our team has responded to numerous storm damage calls throughout Matthews, Mint Hill, Monroe, Waxhaw, Indian Trail, and Charlotte, and we have observed consistent patterns in both effective and ineffective responses.

Start with Safety, Not the Damage Assessment

Before inspecting your property after a storm, ensure the exterior is safe. Downed power lines are the most urgent hazard. Homeowners often approach unsafe areas too quickly. If you see a downed line near your home, remain inside and contact the utility company. In wooded neighborhoods like Matthews and Mint Hill, secondary limb falls are common. Even stable-looking limbs can fall unexpectedly. If you smell gas after structural damage, leave immediately without using switches and call 911 from outside.

Document Before You Touch Anything

Once it is safe to approach, photograph all damage before starting cleanup or temporary repairs. Take wide shots of each affected area and close-ups of specific damage. Treat this process as building your insurance file from the outset. Document roof damage, siding impacts, window breaches, interior water intrusion, and affected personal property. Including local weather data and radar screenshots can help establish the severity of the storm for your claim.

Specific Details Worth Capturing

  • Any breach in the roof deck or missing shingles where water has an entry point

  • Windows or doors that failed under wind pressure

  • Interior ceiling staining or active dripping

  • Gutters pulled from the fascia, allowing water to run behind the siding.

  • Foundation areas where displaced soil now drains toward the house

Temporary Protection Prevents the Second Wave of Damage

If the storm has created a roof or window breach, water will continue to enter until the opening is sealed. Homeowners who install a tarp within the first day or two typically preserve more interior materials than those who wait for a roofer. After major storms, roofing contractors may be unavailable for weeks. A properly installed tarp provides essential protection during this period. Do not attempt to climb onto a wet or compromised roof yourself.

Interior Drying Cannot Wait.

Water entering through a storm breach quickly moves to low points and seeps into porous materials, affecting the structure within hours. In Matthews and Mint Hill, high summer humidity causes wet materials inside closed homes to dry much more slowly than expected. Our technicians use moisture meters to assess how far moisture has spread, as wet insulation in wall cavities can retain moisture against framing and drywall for days, even if surfaces appear dry.

A Common Mistake That Makes Things Worse

Opening windows after a storm is counterproductive when outdoor humidity is high, as is common in North Carolina summers. Box fans only move surface air and do not create the pressure needed to remove moisture from within walls. Homes where owners used household fans often experienced more secondary damage than those where professional equipment was used within the first 24 hours.

Filing the Claim with Complete Records

After ensuring safety and stabilization, file your insurance claim promptly. Most policies require notification within a reasonable timeframe. Our team assists during adjuster inspections by identifying overlooked damage, providing moisture readings to demonstrate the extent of intrusion, and explaining the scope of repairs in terms that adjusters recognize. Well-documented claims with professional involvement from the beginning typically resolve faster than those handled solely by homeowners.

Call Us Right After the Storm

We're AdvantaClean of Monroe. After the storm is exactly when we do our best work. You can reach us at (704) 256-4869, visit us at advantaclean.com/monroe-nc, or find our location and reviews on our Google Business Profile. Call us first, and we'll walk you through everything else.

AdvantaClean of Monroe

1405 Babbage Ln, Indian Trail, NC 28079

(704) 256-4869

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rdvz4uhCoiuauyJY6

Schedule an Appointment or Call (704) 256-4869

To request a service call, please fill out the form below and we will contact you via phone, email or text as soon as possible to confirm an appointment time. You will receive an email confirming your service request. 

*All fields required. By submitting this form, you agree to receive calls, text messages, or emails at the contact information provided. Message rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out at any time. We won’t share your information. Not all locations provide the same services. View our Privacy Policy.

(704) 256-4869
Categories