How to Protect Your Vermont Home Before and After a Major Storm

Vermont is no stranger to severe weather. From powerful nor’easters and ice storms in the winter to heavy thunderstorms and high winds in the summer, the state’s climate puts homes and businesses at risk of storm damage throughout the year. When the skies clear and the damage becomes visible, knowing what to do next can make the difference between a manageable repair and a drawn-out, costly recovery.

At G.W. Savage, we have been helping Vermont property owners recover from storm damage since 1977. As the largest and most experienced emergency restoration company in the state, with offices in Burlington and Rutland, our team is available around the clock to respond when disaster strikes. This guide covers what you can do to prepare your home before a storm, what steps to take after one hits, and how the professional storm damage restoration process works from start to finish.

Types of Storms That Cause Property Damage in Vermont

Vermont’s geography and climate expose the state to several types of severe weather, each with its own potential for property damage.

Nor’easters and Winter Storms

Nor’easters are among the most damaging weather events in the Northeast. These large-scale storms can bring heavy snow, ice accumulation, freezing rain, and sustained high winds. The weight of snow and ice on roofs, trees, and power lines frequently causes structural damage, fallen branches, and prolonged power outages across Vermont. Ice storms are particularly destructive, coating surfaces with thick layers of glaze ice that can snap tree limbs and bring down utility poles.

Summer Thunderstorms and High Winds

Vermont experiences roughly 25 thunderstorm days per year, according to the National Weather Service. While most are relatively mild, severe thunderstorms can produce damaging wind gusts, torrential rainfall, hail, and in rare cases, tornadoes. High winds can tear off shingles, damage siding, topple trees onto structures, and send debris flying into windows and exterior walls.

Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

Intense rain events, particularly during spring and summer, can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flash flooding. Vermont’s mountainous terrain and steep river valleys amplify this risk, as water runs off quickly and can surge through low-lying areas. Flooding can damage foundations, saturate basements, and compromise structural materials throughout the home.

How to Prepare Your Vermont Home Before a Storm

While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to reduce your home’s vulnerability to storm damage. A little preparation before storm season can go a long way toward minimizing the repairs you face afterward.

Inspect Your Roof, Siding, and Windows

Walk around your property and look for loose or missing shingles, cracked siding, gaps around window frames, and any areas where water could enter the structure. Addressing these issues before a storm arrives reduces the chances of wind-driven rain or debris causing interior damage.

Maintain Trees and Landscaping

Dead branches, overgrown limbs, and trees growing close to the house are common sources of storm damage. Have a professional trim back branches that hang over your roof or near power lines. Removing dead or weakened trees before they fall is far less expensive than repairing the damage after they do.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters prevent water from draining properly, which can lead to overflow, foundation seepage, and even ice dam formation in the winter. Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and debris, and that downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

Secure Outdoor Items

Before a storm, bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, planters, and any loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. Even small objects can cause significant damage when carried by strong gusts.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Take time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy so you understand what is covered and what your deductible is. Standard policies typically cover sudden storm damage, but specific exclusions may apply to flooding or certain types of water intrusion. Knowing your coverage details before a storm makes the claims process much smoother if you need to file one.

What to Do Immediately After Storm Damage

Once a storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, there are several important steps to take right away to protect your property and set the stage for a successful restoration.

Prioritize Safety

Before assessing damage, make sure the area is safe. Stay away from downed power lines, avoid walking under damaged trees or structures, and be cautious of standing water that may be concealing hazards. If you suspect structural damage to your home, do not enter until a professional has assessed the situation.

Document the Damage

Take detailed photos and videos of all damage, inside and out, before anything is moved or cleaned up. Capture wide-angle views and close-ups of affected areas including the roof, siding, windows, interior ceilings, walls, and flooring. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim and will help your restoration team scope the project accurately.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Have your policy number ready and share the photos and videos you documented. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to evaluate the damage, and having a professional restoration company on site to meet with the adjuster can help ensure the full scope of damage is captured.

Call a Professional Restoration Company

Storm damage can worsen quickly if the property is left exposed. Rain can enter through a damaged roof, wind can push water into compromised walls, and standing water can lead to mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. Calling a restoration company right away gets your property secured and the cleanup process started before secondary damage takes hold.

The Storm Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Response and Property Securing

The first priority after storm damage is securing the property from further exposure. G.W. Savage provides 24/7 emergency services including board-up for broken windows, tarping for damaged roofs, temporary structural repairs, and temporary heat during winter storms. Our team also handles contents pack-out and storage if belongings inside the home are at risk.

Getting the property secured quickly is essential. A compromised roof or broken window can allow rain, wind, and debris to enter the home, turning exterior damage into a much larger interior problem. Our emergency crews are on standby and respond promptly to calls throughout Vermont.

Step 2: Damage Assessment and Insurance Coordination

Once the property is secured, our team conducts a thorough assessment of all storm-related damage. This includes inspecting the roof, siding, windows, foundation, and interior spaces for water intrusion, structural issues, and any secondary damage that may have occurred.

G.W. Savage is a designated preferred contractor for many insurance carriers in Vermont and works with all insurers. We meet adjusters on site, provide detailed documentation of the damage, and coordinate the claims process so that nothing falls through the cracks. Having the assessment completed professionally ensures that hidden damage, like water that has entered wall cavities or attic spaces, is identified and included in the scope of work.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying

Storm damage frequently brings water damage along with it. Whether rain entered through a damaged roof, wind-driven water found gaps in the siding, or flooding affected the basement, addressing moisture quickly is critical to preventing mold growth and further structural deterioration.

Our IICRC-certified technicians use professional-grade extraction equipment, dehumidifiers, and air movers to remove standing water and dry affected materials. Moisture levels are monitored daily until everything reaches the appropriate dry standard. This careful drying process protects the integrity of the structure and creates a solid foundation for the repair work that follows.

Step 4: Debris Removal and Cleanup

Storm damage often leaves behind fallen trees, broken branches, shattered glass, damaged building materials, and scattered debris. Our team handles the full cleanup, removing debris safely and disposing of materials that cannot be salvaged.

During this phase, damaged insulation, drywall, roofing materials, and other compromised components are removed to prepare the property for reconstruction. All work is documented for insurance purposes, ensuring that every aspect of the damage is accounted for in your claim.

Step 5: Exterior Repairs

With the property cleaned and dried, the focus shifts to restoring the exterior. G.W. Savage’s experienced construction team handles roof, shingle, and siding repair, returning your property’s exterior to pre-loss condition.

Whether the damage involves a few missing shingles, a section of torn siding, or a more significant structural issue caused by a fallen tree, our crews have the skills and equipment to manage the repair. We work with you to match original building materials and finishes, or to make upgrades if you prefer. From minor wind damage cleanup to major structural rebuilds, no project is too big or too small for our team.

Step 6: Interior Restoration and Reconstruction

If water or debris made its way inside the home, interior restoration may be needed as well. This can range from replacing water-stained drywall and repainting to full-scale reconstruction of damaged rooms, including new flooring, insulation, and fixtures.

As a full-service restoration contractor, G.W. Savage manages the entire process in-house. Our project managers coordinate the work, keep you informed throughout, and help you select finishes and materials. You work with one company from emergency response through final reconstruction, which simplifies the process and keeps everything on schedule.

How G.W. Savage Works With Your Insurance Company

Handling the insurance claims process after a storm can be stressful and confusing, especially when you are also dealing with temporary displacement, property repairs, and disrupted daily routines. G.W. Savage takes that burden off your plate by working directly with your insurance company from start to finish.

As a preferred contractor for many Vermont insurance carriers, we understand what adjusters need in terms of documentation, damage assessments, and progress reporting. We meet insurance professionals on site so the scope of work can be reviewed and approved as quickly as possible. Our team handles the communication and paperwork, ensuring that nothing is missed and that your claim reflects the full extent of the damage.

We work with all insurance carriers, not just those where we hold preferred status. No matter who provides your coverage, our team will guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf. It is also important to know that you always have the right to choose your own restoration contractor, regardless of who your insurer recommends.

When a Storm Hits Vermont, G.W. Savage is Ready

Storms are unpredictable, but your recovery does not have to be. Having a plan in place and knowing who to call can make a stressful situation far more manageable.

G.W. Savage has been restoring Vermont homes and businesses after storm damage for nearly 50 years. We are locally owned, IICRC-certified, and large enough to handle losses of any scale, from a handful of damaged shingles to a property that has been hit by a fallen tree. With offices in Burlington and Rutland, we serve communities across the state and respond 24/7 when you need us most.

If your Vermont property has been damaged by a storm, or if you want to be prepared before the next one hits, contact G.W. Savage at (802) 660-8900 or visit www.gwsavage.com to learn more about our storm damage restoration services.