So, you have just survived a hurricane or tornado and your home or business looks no worse for wear, back to business as usual right? Maybe, maybe not. Damage to a structure is not always apparent as we might think. Take for consideration termite damage. You usually never suspect this until those little buggers start flying around and making themselves known to the unsuspecting homeowner. Structural damage after an event like a hurricane or tornado could be hidden as well or the event may worsen hidden problems that may have existed for years. We’ve seen it all in South Florida as top-rated insurance adjusters. Our professional, independent public adjusters can help you fight an insurance company for a just and fair settlement.

The roof is a very good indicator of possible structural damage. From a distance, look at the ridge of the roof and determine whether it is straight. If you detect sagging in the middle or at the ends of the ridge, it is very possible that load-bearing walls may have shifted. Grab a carpenter’s level and check the walls to make certain they are vertical and straight. You will also want to check for cracks in the stucco of the exterior walls. This can also indicate that the walls may have shifted. If you suspect any shifting, you will want to contact a structural engineer or a contractor to make an inspection. Working with a public adjuster can help you not only understand that damage and costs, but also fight an insurance company to get a fair monetary compensation.