South Louisiana experienced its first named storm this week as it blew through in the dead of night with rain, thunder, lightening, wind and even tornadoes. While we are all used to experiencing a storm, if you’re like me, Arthur kind of came out of nowhere. Ok, well it was definitely followed for a while, but with the way the weather changes from hour to hour in Louisiana during the summer, there’s no telling what a storm can do before it’s over our area.
Hurricane season started June 1 and the reminder to be storm-prepared came back to the front of everyone’s mind. While we all have our designated snacks, know to charge our electronics and make sure our pets have everything they need, one thing Tropical Storm Arthur really highlighted was the need to make sure our homes are ready for whatever weather event heads our way.
I reached out to the guys at Banner Property Management, Inc. (BPM, Inc.) to ask a few questions every homeowner should know the answer to before it’s too late. BPM, Inc. is licensed and insured general contractor that’s been serving the Greater New Orleans area and St. Tammany Parish since 1991.
Here’s what they had to say to my pressing storm questions.
- What is the biggest issue you see from homeowners following a big storm event?
- How can people prepare for these things beforehand?
- How far out should homeowners call a contractor to make sure everything is in good shape before a storm?
- What signs or issues should homeowners look for after a major storm?
- What general advice do you give homeowners for Louisiana weather — heat, rain, wind, etc.?
- What additional advice would you give homeowners after a storm?
- What are some of the most commonly overlooked areas of storm damage?
- What is one thing every homeowner should do today, regardless of whether a storm is in the forecast?
- How do homeowners know when damage requires a professional inspection versus a simple repair?
- What mistakes do homeowners commonly make immediately after a storm?
- How often should roofs and exterior components be inspected in South Louisiana?
- What improvements make a home more resilient to future storms?
- Beyond the structure itself, what should homeowners do to secure the property before a storm?
What is the biggest issue you see from homeowners following a big storm event?
The biggest issue is homeowners waiting too long to investigate possible damage because everything looks fine from the ground. Lifted shingles, damaged flashing or minor water intrusion can go unnoticed for days or weeks and quietly turn into much larger, more expensive repairs. The sooner damage is found, the easier and cheaper it is to deal with.
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How can people prepare for these things beforehand?
Preparation starts long before a storm enters the Gulf. Have your roof inspected periodically, keep gutters and drains clear, trim trees back from the house, secure or store anything loose outside, and know where your water shutoff and electrical disconnect are located. We also recommend photographing or filming your home’s condition once a year, so you have a clear record of how the property looked before any storm.
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How far out should homeowners call a contractor to make sure everything is in good shape before a storm?
The best time is during early hurricane-season prep, not when a storm is already on the map. Ideally, concerns should be addressed weeks or months ahead of peak season. Once a storm is forecasted, contractors get booked solid and materials can get scarce. Routine maintenance and inspections are far easier to schedule before there’s an active threat.
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What signs or issues should homeowners look for after a major storm?
Once it’s safe, walk the property and look for missing or lifted shingles, damaged flashing, fallen limbs, dents from flying debris, clogged gutters, and damaged fencing. Inside, watch for ceiling stains, wet or soft drywall, peeling paint, damp insulation, and musty odors that can signal hidden moisture. If you suspect damage, photograph everything before any cleanup or repairs.
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What general advice do you give homeowners for Louisiana weather — heat, rain, wind, etc.?
Our climate is hard on houses; heat, humidity, heavy rain, and wind create year-round wear. Preventative maintenance is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. Address small leaks quickly, keep attic ventilation working, maintain your drainage, watch the caulking and sealants around windows and doors, and have the roof looked at periodically. Small maintenance items are almost always cheaper than emergency repairs.
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What additional advice would you give homeowners after a storm?
Safety first, always. Don’t climb on roofs or enter any area with structural concerns, and stay well clear of downed power lines and standing water. Document damage thoroughly with photos and notes, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage if you can do it safely  (like covering a broken window), and bring in qualified professionals when it’s time to evaluate the property.
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What are some of the most commonly overlooked areas of storm damage?
People focus on the obvious roof damage and miss the flashing, roof penetrations, soffits, fascia, gutters, window seals, and attic. A lot of water gets in through small, compromised spots you simply can’t see from the ground.
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What is one thing every homeowner should do today, regardless of whether a storm is in the forecast?
Walk around your home and look at it with a critical eye. Check for loose shingles, cracked or deteriorated caulking, poor drainage, overhanging limbs, and any sign of existing water intrusion. Handling those small things now can dramatically cut your risk of major damage later.
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How do homeowners know when damage requires a professional inspection versus a simple repair?
If you see interior water damage, missing roofing materials, a tree impacting the structure, signs of structural movement, or you just have a nagging concern about hidden damage, it’s worth a professional evaluation. A lot of storm damage isn’t obvious to an untrained eye and only gets worse the longer it sits. When in doubt, an expert opinion is cheap peace of mind.
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What mistakes do homeowners commonly make immediately after a storm?
Assuming no visible leak means no damage. Waiting weeks or months to check. Attempting dangerous roof inspections themselves. And hiring the first contractor who knocks on the door. Slow down, document conditions, stay safe, and work with established local professionals; it saves money and headaches down the line.
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How often should roofs and exterior components be inspected in South Louisiana?
Given our climate, inspect your property yourself regularly and get a professional roof evaluation every few years and after any significant weather event. Our intense sun, heavy rain, humidity, and tropical weather wear homes out faster than in most parts of the country.
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What improvements make a home more resilient to future storms?
Maintaining or upgrading the roof system, improving attic ventilation, making sure water drains away from the property, trimming trees, securing outdoor structures, and keeping exterior sealants in good shape. Resilience usually comes from consistent maintenance rather than one big upgrade; well-maintained homes simply perform better in severe weather.
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Beyond the structure itself, what should homeowners do to secure the property before a storm?
A surprising amount of storm damage is caused by things that simply weren’t tied down. Before a storm rolls in:
– Bring in or securely store anything loose outside such as patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, planters, potted and hanging plants, trash cans, kids’ toys, yard décor, and tools. In high wind, any of it can become a projectile that breaks a window or damages siding.
– Anchor or take down trampolines, and secure anything too big to bring inside.
– Move vehicles into a garage or away from trees and power lines, and fill the tank early as stations get crowded and can run dry.
– In flood-prone areas, move valuables off the floor and consider sandbags at low doorways and garage thresholds.
– Brace or reinforce the garage door. It’s one of the most common failure points, and once it gives way, wind pressure inside the house can cause serious structural damage.
– Protect windows and doors with shutters or plywood if you have them, and make sure everything is closed and latched tightly.
– Trim back overhanging limbs and clear gutters and downspouts so water drains away from the foundation.
Many people think storm damage only means roof damage. In reality, some of the most significant losses we see in South Louisiana come from water entering homes through flooding, poor drainage, clogged gutters, or wind-driven rain. Homeowners should inspect both the roof and the ground around their home after a storm. If water was standing against the foundation, entered a garage, or pooled near doors, those are important warning signs that should not be ignored.
