Once a winter storm passes, many homeowners are left wondering what to check and what to do next. Even if everything looks fine at first glance, storm related damage is not always obvious right away. This is the time to slow down, look carefully, and address small issues before they turn into bigger ones.

Start with a quick safety check

Before walking through your home, make sure it is safe. Watch for standing water, sagging ceilings, fallen branches, or damaged areas. If the storm caused a power outage, be cautious around outlets and appliances once power is restored. If anything feels unsafe, trust that instinct and avoid the area.

Check for water where it should not be

After a winter storm, water damage often shows up as melting ice and frozen pipes begin to thaw. Look for water around baseboards, ceilings, walls, and under sinks. Pay attention to damp smells, stains, bubbling paint, or warped flooring. These can be early signs of water intrusion.

Inspect pipes and plumbing

Even if pipes did not burst during the storm, cracks can form while they are frozen. Once temperatures rise, leaks may begin slowly. Run water carefully and listen for unusual sounds. Low water pressure or dripping where there was none before can indicate a problem.

Look outside for winter storm damage

Ice and wind can cause tree limbs to break and impact roofs, siding, or windows. Even small openings can allow water to enter your home.

If you see missing shingles, dents, or damaged areas, protecting the opening quickly can help prevent additional damage.

When to call for help

If you notice water damage, leaks, or storm related impacts, it is best to act sooner rather than later. Winter storm water spreads fast and can become more severe the longer it sits.

First In Restoration responds to post storm water damage, frozen and burst pipes, and storm related impacts. We also provide emergency tarping and branch removal to help protect your home if damage is found.

If you are unsure what to do after a winter storm or you notice water where it should not be, call First In Restoration at 470.748.0225. We are available 24/7 and here to help.

When a nasty storm strikes it can bring extreme disaster. High winds, heavy rain and flooding can leave your home with terrible water damage that needs to quickly be addressed. At First In Restoration, we specialize in providing expert storm water damage restoration in Loganville, Gwinnett, Walton, Barrow, Hall and the surrounding Georgia Counties. From leaking roofs to flooded basements, we are here to help you quickly recover from the storm.

Water Damage from Siding and Roof Issues

Georgia winds can get really strong during a storm (we’re talking anywhere from 30-60mph!). Your home may experience siding getting blown off or damaged. This will leave your home exposed to the elements. You really don’t want water coming in to your house. In addition to wind damage, rainfall is a huge concern. Rain can cause leaks in your roof. Water moves fast and damages your space quickly. Water damage will affect everything from drywall, ceilings, insulation, flooring and even furniture. If your home has experienced siding or roof damage it’s critical to address and repair it immediately. At First In Restoration, we offer emergency roof tarping to prevent water from continuing to enter your home. Once the immediate issues are repaired we begin the water damage restoration process to remove standing water, dry out your home’s affected areas and clean up any moisture to prevent mold growth.

Tree Limbs and Water Intrusion

Tree limbs falling onto your roof or windows during a storm can cause severe damage. The weight of the branches can crack your home’s windows and also create holes in your roof, which will allow rainwater to pour inside and ruin your property.

If tree limbs have caused water to enter your home, don’t wait to take action. First In Restoration provides tree limb removal services to safely clear debris and prevent further damage. We can tarp your roof if needed and provide a referral for a trusted roofing company to perform repairs or replacement. Afterward, we use industrial-grade equipment to extract water, dry out affected areas, and ensure that no moisture is left behind to cause lasting issues like mold or structural damage.

Hail Damage and Water Leaks

We get a good bit of hail in Georgia because the weather is so funky. Hail can create water entries into your home. What happens is, when hail hits your roof, siding or even your windows, it can cause cracks allow rainwater and leaks to enter. Even little pieces of hail can leave huge amounts of damage. Remember if you leave these unchecked it can lead to very serious water damage over time. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage repair. At First In Restoration, we’ll inspect your property for hail damage, especially around your roof, windows and siding. We’ll make sure that any hail damage is repaired to stop water from leaking into your home before we move forward with water damage cleanup. This makes sure the issue at hand is resolved before completing the dry out process.

Water Damage Restoration After a Loganville Storm

Act fast once your home is affected by storm damage. Water damage will spread very quickly. Don’t put water damage off. Water is extremely damaging and can lead to structural issues and mold growth (which is very bad for your health). At First In Restoration, we specialize in water damage removal and drying services. Our team uses professional-grade equipment to extract any standing water, dry out moisture from walls and floors, and sanitize the affected areas. We focus on preventing mold and bacterial growth, ensuring your home stays safe and dry during the restoration process.

Why Choose First In Restoration?

When you experience water damage from a storm, you need a team you can trust to restore your home quickly and efficiently. At First In Restoration, we are the experts in storm water damage restoration in Loganville and the surrounding areas. Whether you have water damage from a leaking roof, broken window, a broken sump pump, water driven flooding, we provide fast and reliable service to get your home dried in and back to normal. We understand the stress that comes with water damage and we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

If your home has been affected by water damage from a storm, call First In Restoration at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com. 

Water damage can happen in a blink of an eye — a pipe burst, a hidden leak, or even flooding from heavy rain. Without the right homeowners insurance coverage, you could be left paying for the costly repairs out of your own pocket. 

At First In Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is for homeowners to have the right insurance policy in place and to make sure it covers water damage. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you’re fully covered.

What Types of Water Damage Are Covered in Your Homeowners Insurance Policy?

Homeowners insurance generally covers accidental and sudden water damage, but not all types of water damage are included. Here are the key areas your policy should cover:

1. Burst & Leaking Pipes

✅ Covered: Most policies will cover damage from a sudden pipe burst, as long as it wasn’t due to negligence (such as failing to heat your home in winter).

❌ Not Covered: Slow, gradual leaks that occur over time due to lack of maintenance.

2. Appliance Leaks (Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Water Heaters)

✅ Covered: If an appliance suddenly malfunctions and floods your home, the damage is typically covered.

❌ Not Covered: The cost to repair or to replace the broken appliance is usually not included.

3. Roof Leaks from Storms

✅ Covered: If a storm causes a leak by damaging your roof, the water damage that incurs inside your home may be covered.

❌ Not Covered: If the leak is due to an old or poorly maintained roof, you might be on your own and will have to come out of pocket.

4. Overflowing Toilets & Sump Pump Failures

✅ Covered: Some policies include water backup coverage, but you must add this as an endorsement to be protected.

❌ Not Covered: If you don’t have a water backup rider on your policy, damages from an overflowing toilet or failed sump pump may not be covered.

5. Flooding from Natural Disasters

❌ Not Covered: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding from heavy rains, hurricanes, or overflowing rivers. You must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

What Should Your Policy Include?

To ensure you’re fully protected against water damage, check that your insurance policy includes: 

• Water damage from sudden and accidental events
• Coverage for plumbing and appliance leaks
• Additional water backup coverage (for sump pump failures & sewer backups)
• Mold remediation coverage (since water damage can lead to mold growth)
• Flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area or flood zone

What to Do If You Experience Water Damage

If you suffer water damage in your home, act fast to prevent further issues. 

1. Shut off the water source (if possible). 
2. Document the damage with photos and videos. 
3. Contact First In Restoration for professional water extraction, mitigation, and reconstruction services. 
4. Call your insurance company to report the claim. (We can assist you in filing the claim).

Let First In Restoration Help!

We work with homeowners across Georgia to restore their homes after water damage. Our team can assist with insurance claims, providing detailed documentation and working directly with adjusters to make the process as smooth as possible.

📞 Need emergency water damage restoration? Call First In Restoration 24/7! 470.748.0225.

First In Restoration serves all of Georgia with a focus in Loganville, Walton County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Barrow County and Athens, Georgia.