After a severe windstorm or tornado, farm buildings should be thoroughly examined for hidden damage that could weaken the structure and create potential hazards. Prompt repairs are usually more cost-effective in the long run. If structural damage is suspected, consult an expert for further advice.
When inspecting a Roof, you should inspect both the inside and outside of the roof. Avoid checking from the ground unless the roof is too steep or too high to climb safely. If a ground inspection is necessary, use binoculars.
Look for the damaged or missing shingle. Check asphalt shingles for cracks at the butt end, where they may have been weakened from flexing. Ensure no shingles have been blown off. Pay special attention to the ridge, gable ends, and eaves.
With metal roofing examine the entire roof, focusing on gable ends, eaves, and ridge cap. If nails are loose, re-nail them as soon as possible. If nails do not hold when hammered back in, use #12 or #14 metal screws to fill old nail holes. Use aluminum screws for aluminum roofs and steel screws for steel roofs. Re-nail 3 to 4 inches away using ring or screw-type nails.
On a sunny day, check the roof inside the building with the doors closed. While looking for holes, inspect the ridge, gable ends, and eaves for possible structural separation.
Inspect the foundation where it meets the walls. Ensure the plate is not separated from the studding. Check the mortar joints for block foundations to ensure the block with the plate bolt hasn’t separated from the wall. Ensure the plate bolts have not worked loose for stone or concrete foundations.
Inspect the interior of the building for structural damage. Using a good light, check the framing for any issues, including ridge separation, loose knee braces, and loose rafters where they join the walls.
Identity released in fatal U.S. 36 crash
Indiana Gov. Braun declares state of disaster emergency for 63 Indiana counties
Longtime educator tabbed to lead new Montezuma Elementary
Gov. Braun unveils Indiana’s exhibit for the National Mall during The Great American State Fair
Indiana State Fair announces final wave of Hoosier Lottery Free Stage concerts for 2026
Nominations now open for farmers and ranchers to serve on USDA Farm Service Agency county committees
CBP officers in Indianapolis seize counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise
Former Cloverdale coach lands back in coaching
Three pulled safely from submerged car
U.S. Postal Service will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, June 19
Third Annual Riding with an Angel Ride remembers daughter's legacy
FSSA To survey SNAP recipients about Smart SNAP
Area Indiana State parks install new playgrounds
Riverton Parke looks to bring regional baseball crown home
IDEM forecasts statewide Air Quality Action Day for Thursday
