If you've got a steel building on your property, you might think that's protected against all types of storm damage. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily the case. Steel buildings are durable, but they can still sustain damage, especially during storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes. If your steel buildings have endured a severe weather occurrence, now's the time to make sure they're still structurally sound. Read the list provided below. You'll find four steps you need to take right away. 

Inspect the Building

Now that a severe weather occurrence has passed through your area, you need to inspect your steel buildings. If your steel buildings are still standing, you might think that they escaped damage, but that might not be the case. You want to look for signs of damage, which could include loose hardware, missing panels, or cracks in the welds. If you see signs of damage, be sure to vacate the area until you can arrange for a professional inspection of the premises. 

Document the Damage

If you've identified damage to your steel building, you'll want to document the specific damage. You'll need this type of documentation for your insurance claim. While you're inspecting your steel building, be sure to take notes regarding areas that show signs of damage. If possible, take pictures of those areas. The pictures will provide additional information for your insurance claim. Additionally, the pictures will also help to document potential changes in the damaged areas. 

File an Insurance Claim

Once you've inspected your steel building and documented any damages, you'll need to file a claim with your insurance company. The sooner you file an insurance claim, the sooner you can get started on the repairs. If there's another storm coming through, you might think that you should wait to report the damage. However, waiting too long could cause problems with your claim. Instead, file the initial claim, and then file an amended claim if further damage is done during the next storm. 

Take Care of the Repairs

Finally, if your steel building has sustained damage, don't postpone the repairs. You might think that you can hold off on minor repairs. However, holding off on the minor repairs could lead to bigger problems down the road. Instead, contact a contractor in your area and take care of all of the repairs as soon as possible. 

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